Due to forecasted storms and growing snowpack, the California Department of Water Resources began to release flows at 11 a.m. today from the Oroville main spillway. 

By early afternoon, releases from the main spillway will be about 8,300 cubic feet per second (cfs), officials say. This is the first time the spillway is being used since it has been reconstructed and its use will provide room for flood storage within the reservoir.

“Protecting communities from flooding is a vital part of the Department’s mission,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “Today we inaugurate the reconstructed spillway to serve that essential purpose and to prepare us for the future.”

“The Oroville main spillway was rebuilt using modern engineering practices with the oversight of state and federal regulators on site and a team of experts assisting the Department,” said Joel Ledesma, Deputy Director, State Water Project for DWR. “With an average concrete thickness of seven and a half feet, 12.4 million pounds of reinforcing steel, and approximately 7,000 anchors, the main spillway is ready to handle flows.”

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

Related:DWR preps to use Oroville spillway

DWR may increase flows to the Feather River again later this week to between 40,000 and 60,000 cfs to prepare for forecasted inflows. DWR also anticipates potential further releases to manage snowmelt and lake elevations later this spring.

Oro Dam Blvd. East will be open to pedestrian and vehicle traffic unless flows exceed 30,000 cfs. If spillway flows exceed 30,000 cfs, the road will be closed to ensure public safety. Credentialed media will be provided access past the roadblocks located at Glen Drive and Canyon Drive and can use turnouts along Oro Dam Blvd. East.

DWR has followed its standard process of notifying regulatory agencies, local law enforcement and local elected officials regarding the anticipated use. The Department will continue to update the public, media and local partners through emails, news releases and social media. 

Source: California Department of Water Resources, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

Related:DWR set to appeal Oroville funding denials