Lake Oroville Update March 20 2026

DWR Conserving Water Storage at Lake Oroville

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is conserving as much water as possible at Lake Oroville as dry conditions continue in the Feather River watershed. Water operations at the facility continue to meet federal guidelines for downstream flood protection and state environmental regulations.

Between mid-September and June, 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 storage space that is reserved to capture inflows from rain and 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 water released from Oroville for flood control is captured downstream for beneficial uses by local landowners, communities, and the State Water Project. Releases from Oroville Dam also support Feather River habitat for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and other river species.

DWR coordinates releases to the Feather River closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other downstream water operators. DWR advises Feather River recreation users 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: 873 feet elevation

• Current Storage: 88 percent of capacity

• Total Releases to the Feather River: 5,500 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 and allow for carryover storage into the following year.

Explore the Lime Saddle Recreation Area

Just a short drive from the town of Paradise, the Lime Saddle Recreation Area is located along the western shoreline of the North Fork arm of Lake Oroville and accessible from Pentz Road. The boat ramp and day use area features picnic tables, sun shelters, ADA accessible flush toilets, and trash receptacles. A five-lane boat ramp provides access to Lake Oroville with two lanes extending down to 702 feet for lower water access. At the top of the boat ramp, a parking lot provides ample vehicle and trailer parking with ADA designated spots. In addition, the Lime Saddle Marina offers supplies, gas for boats, and boat rentals so you can enjoy a day on the lake.

The Lime Saddle Campground Area features 50 total campsites with 44 individual campsites (28 car/tent sites and 16 RV sites with full hookups). Each campsite features a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Bathroom facilities offer flush toilets and showers for visitors. The Lime Saddle Group Campground features two group campsites (six individual sites) with shade structures, multiple picnic tables, trash receptacles, a large barbecue, and a water fountain with spigot. Three of the sites at this facility are ADA accessible with the central restroom/shower building also offering ADA accommodations.

Spring is a perfect time for a hiking or biking trip along the Lime Saddle Trail featuring scenic views of the reservoir. The 1.73-mile trail is accessible from Lime Saddle Recreation Road (marina access road) and routes visitors north before ending at the Lime Saddle Group Campground.

Road Closure for Tree Removal

DWR and its partners at the California Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Butte County Sheriff's Office are closing a portion of Oro Dam Blvd. East between Canyon Drive and Oro Powerhouse Road for hazard tree removal. A full road closure will be in effect Monday through Thursday between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. March 23-26. DWR is taking advantage of the closure to remove large hazard trees and perform routine fuel load reduction activities to minimize fire risk in areas surrounding Lake Oroville.

DWR's Fuel Load Management Plan is dedicated to reducing wildfire risk, enhancing public safety, and improving forest health around Lake Oroville. During vegetation management activities some trails within the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area may be intermittently closed. Trail users should use caution in active work areas and follow all posted signage.

Golden Mussel Inspection Program

DWR has moved its invasive mussel inspection/decontamination facilities at the North Thermalito Forebay to the paved RV parking lot near the entrance. Watercraft owners should turn right once past the main entrance. Signage is posted to help direct traffic. More details about DWR's mussel inspection program are available at water.ca.gov/mussels.

Watercraft Inspection Location/Decontamination Services

North Thermalito Forebay at Garden Drive and HWY 70 in Oroville

Hours of operation: Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Sealed Vessel Launching

Lake Oroville

Ramp hours: Daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Spillway
• Bidwell Canyon

Ramp hours: Daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Lime Saddle
• 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)

Feather River Fish Monitoring Station

DWR resumed operations of the Feather River fish monitoring station on March 4, 2026 to capture the return of spring-run Chinook salmon. Monitoring was temporarily suspended at the end of December 2025 due to anticipated high flows in the Feather River. Upstream migrating fish totals between March 4-18, 2026 are:

• Spring-run Chinook salmon: 20
• Steelhead: 3
• To see previous year data, visit CalFish.org.

Current Lake Operations

Lake Oroville is at 873 feet elevation and storage is approximately 3.02 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 88 percent of its total capacity and 126 percent of the historical average.

Feather River flows are at 650 cfs through the City of Oroville with releases from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet at 4,850 cfs for a total Feather River release of 5,500 cfs downstream. 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 3/19/2026.