Update on Lake Oroville Operations - March 21, 2023
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) continues to reduce releases from Lake Oroville to the Feather River. Water outflows from the lake were reduced to 20,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) today, with 9,000 cfs flowing through the low-flow channel within the City of Oroville.
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) continues to reduce releases from Lake Oroville to the Feather River. Water outflows from the lake were reduced to 20,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) today, with 9,000 cfs flowing through the low-flow channel within the City of Oroville. Additional reductions are planned for Wednesday. These 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. DWR continues to closely monitor lake inflow levels and will adjust releases accordingly.
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
- Total Releases to the Feather River: 20,000 cfs; will be reduced to 15,000 cfs by noon Wednesday
In addition, Oro Dam Blvd. E. between Rusty Dusty Road and Canyon Drive in Butte County reopened to traffic at 8 a.m. today.
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.