Update on Lake Oroville Operations - March 23, 2023
Water flows from the main Oroville Spillway on March 17, 2023.
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is maintaining releases from Lake Oroville to the Feather River at 15,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). This release rate is expected to continue through the weekend but may be adjusted based on weather and inflow levels to the lake. Releases are being made in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and downstream water operators for flood control protection to surrounding communities.
The information below reflects current reservoir level estimates. Forecasts can change quickly and may affect the estimates provided.
- Current Oroville Reservoir Level: 856 feet elevation
- Current Storage Capacity: 82 percent
- Total Releases to the Feather River: 15,000 cfs
The Lake Oroville reservoir is the largest storage facility in the State Water Project and supports environmental and water delivery needs to 27 million Californians and reduces flood risks to downstream communities. DWR continues to monitor lake levels, weather forecasts, and mountain snow levels to optimize operations for flood control, water storage and environmental protection while allowing for carryover storage into next year.
Future updates will be provided based on operational changes to Lake Oroville releases.