Published: January 09, 2026

Flood Control Releases Ongoing from Lake Oroville

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) continues required flood control releases using Oroville Dam's main spillway. With reduced runoff into Lake Oroville and drier conditions in the forecast, DWR is reducing outflows for storage benefits.

Between mid-September and May, DWR is required to operate Lake Oroville for flood control under federal Water Control Manual Guidelines set by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These federal regulations establish a set storage space that is reserved to capture inflows from rain and future snowmelt, while protecting downstream communities from damaging flood events through coordinated releases. To maintain this storage space, DWR conducts flood protection releases from Lake Oroville. Some of the water released from Oroville for flood control is captured downstream for beneficial uses by local landowners, communities, and the State Water Project.

Releases to the Feather River are coordinated closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other downstream water operators. Feather River recreational users are advised to remain alert as river flows are expected to be swift and cold and may change based on projected weather forecasts.

The information below reflects current reservoir level estimates. Forecasts can change quickly and may affect the estimates provided.

• Current Oroville Reservoir Level: 844 feet elevation

• Current Storage: 77 percent of capacity

• Total Releases to the Feather River: 5,400 cubic feet per second (cfs)

The Lake Oroville reservoir is the largest storage facility in the State Water Project, providing flood protection while supporting environmental and water delivery needs to 27 million Californians. DWR continues to monitor lake levels, weather forecasts, and mountain snow levels to optimize water storage while allowing for carryover storage into next year.

Exercising at Oroville Dam

While Oroville Dam plays a critical role in providing flood protection to downstream communities, it is also a prime location for physical fitness. A 1-mile paved road and separated, two-lane, multi-use path runs the length of the dam's crest, offering an opportunity for exercise while enjoying scenic views of both Lake Oroville and the valley. Free parking is available on either side of the dam's crest with restroom facilities located at the intersection of Canyon Drive and Oroville Dam Crest Road. Additional nearby parking is available at the Oroville Dam Crest Overlook, with a short path connecting to the dam crest road. For early birds or late-night fitness enthusiasts, the dam crest path has full lighting, making it a great location for free outdoor recreation during the shorter daylight hours of the fall and winter months.

Those looking for additional hiking or biking opportunities may use the Oroville Dam Crest trail to connect to an additional 92 miles of trails throughout the Oroville area. Extended closures of the Brad Freeman Bike Trail and the Dan Beebe Trail between the Thermalito Diversion Dam and Powerhouse Road, including Lakeland Blvd., will continue through Summer 2026 during construction workto replace power and fiber-optic communication lines. An interactive map of recreation facilities, including open trails and their permitted uses (hike, bike, horse, multiuse), is available on the Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. A paper trail map is available at various locations, including most entrance kiosks and the Lake Oroville Visitor Center.

Golden Mussel Inspection Program

DWR is reminding the public that boat ramps at Lake Oroville are no longer open 24/7. Watercraft must be out of the water by ramp closing time or they will be locked into the facility overnight. Please plan ahead. More details about DWR's mussel inspection program are available at water.ca.gov/mussels.

Watercraft Inspection Location/Decontamination Services

North Thermalito Forebayat Garden Drive and HWY 70 in Oroville

Hours of operation: Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sealed Vessel Launching

Lake Oroville

Ramp hours: Daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• Spillway

Ramp hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Friday-Sunday 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Bidwell Canyon

Ramp hours: Monday-Thursday 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Friday-Sunday 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Lime Saddle

Ramp hours: Daily from 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• Loafer Creek/Loafer Point

Thermalito Afterbay

Ramp hours: Daily from 1.5 hours before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset

• Monument Hill

Thermalito Forebay

Ramp Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to sunset

• North Forebay (Non-motorized vessels only)

Oroville Recreation

Staffed by knowledgeable guides, the Lake Oroville Visitor Center features interpretive displays on Oroville Dam, area geology, wildlife and habitat, hydroelectric power, and cultural and historical artifacts. View videos in the theater about the construction of Oroville Dam, walk or hike along nearby trails, and visit the 47-foot-tall observation tower that provides unsurpassed panoramic views of surrounding areas. Free guided tours for school and community groups are available by reservation. Parking and admission to the Visitor Center are free.

Between Jan. 30 and April 20, high flows in the Feather River required the temporary removal of fish monitoring equipment resulting in lower spring-run estimates. Upstream migrating fish totals through the Feather River Fish Monitoring Station between Jan. 1 and Dec. 30, 2025 are:

• Spring-run Chinook salmon (April 16 through June 30): 17,712
• Fall-run Chinook salmon (July 1 through present): 43,576
• Steelhead: 2,132
• To see previous year data, visit CalFish.org.

Current Lake Operations

Lake Oroville is at 844 feet elevation and storage is approximately 2.63 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 77 percent of its total capacity and 138 percent of the historical average.

Feather River flows are at 1,600 cfs through the City of Oroville with 3,800 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet for a total Feather River release of 5,400 cfs downstream. Through the weekend, flows through the City of Oroville will reduce to 1,000 cfs with Outlet releases increasing to 4,400 cfs. Total Feather River releases will remain at 5,400 cfs. DWR continues to assess Feather River releases daily.

The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center. The Lake Oroville gage station is identified as "ORO."

All data as of 11:59 p.m. on 1/8/2026.