Lake Oroville Update - January 30, 2026

DWR Increasing Oroville Releases

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is increasing water releases from Oroville Dam to combat salinity intrusion in the Delta. As part of DWR's water rights permit for the State Water Project, low-salinity zones must be maintained February through June to protect critical habitat of native fish. DWR continues to conserve as much water as possible while continuing to meet federal guidelines for downstream flood protection and state environmental regulations. Between Dec. 20, 2025 and Jan. 29, 2026 Lake Oroville rose 91 feet in elevation and gained approximately 1.06 million acre-feet of water thanks to a series of strong storms in December and early January.

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 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 from Oroville Dam also support Feather River habitat for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and other river species.

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 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: 858 feet elevation
• Current Storage: 82 percent of capacity
• Total Releases to the Feather River: Increasing to 8,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) by 4 p.m. Friday; may increase to 10,000 cfs on Saturday, Jan. 31

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.

Loafer Creek Fuel Reduction Activities

As part of ongoing fuel reduction work within the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA), DWR is coordinating with the Butte County Sheriff's Office (BCSO), the California Conservation Corps (CCC), and CAL FIRE to remove hazardous fuels in the Loafer Creek area. Crews are continuing to prepare areas along State Route 162 and near the Loafer Creek campgrounds and boat launch. Pile burning is ongoing and is dependent on weather conditions and CAL FIRE crew availability.

In addition, a CAL FIRE grant-funded project supported by DWR, the Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks), the Butte County Fire Safe Council (BCFSC), and the Mooretown Rancheria of Maidu Indians is ongoing in the Loafer Creek area near State Route 162. Approximately 140 acres are being treated by hand crews and heavy equipment.

During vegetation management activities some trails within the Loafer Creek area may be intermittently closed. Trail users should use caution in active work areas and follow all posted signage. Oroville-area residents should expect to see smoke from prescribed fires.

DWR appreciates the public's cooperation and understanding as it works to reduce wildfire risk, increase public safety, and support long-term land management goals. Vegetation management remains a top priority for DWR and its partners.

Oroville Recreation Advisory Committee

The Oroville Recreation Advisory Committee (ORAC) will hold a meeting on Friday, Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. at the Oroville Southside Community Center located at 2959 Lower Wyandotte Road, Oroville, CA, 95966.

ORAC was established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review and provide recreation plan recommendations for Oroville Facilities owned by DWR. The 13-member committee is made up of representatives from state and local government, recreation groups, and business and community organizations.

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 Forebay at 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)

Current Lake Operations

Lake Oroville is at 858 feet elevation and storage is approximately 2.82 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 82 percent of its total capacity and 138 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 increasing to 7,350 cfs by 4 p.m. Friday for a total Feather River release of 8,000 cfs downstream. Releases from the Outlet may increase to 9,350 cfs on Saturday, Jan. 31 for a total Feather River release of 10,000 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 1/29/2026.