Update on Lake Oroville Operations - March 11, 2023
A drone provides an aerial view of the small cloud mist formed as water flows over the four energy dissipator blocks at the end of the Lake Oroville main spillway. 
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) began releasing water from the main Oroville Dam spillway at noon Friday. Total releases from Oroville Dam to the Feather River remain at 15,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Releases from the main spillway remain at 8,000 cfs but may be adjusted as storm systems continue. As runoff inflows increase to Lake Oroville, DWR will continue to maintain storage space for flood control protection to downstream communities.
A media briefing was held Friday with updates provided on flood control releases from the main spillway. View the media briefing on YouTube.
The information below reflects current reservoir level estimates. Forecasts can change quickly and may affect the estimates provided.
- Current Oroville Reservoir Level: 840 feet elevation
- Current Total Releases to the Feather River: 15,000 cfs
- Current Releases from the Oroville Main Spillway: 8,000 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.