As flows are reduced, DWR will monitor the status of the dam, spillways, and related structures to ensure their continued safety and stability. Flows will be reduced gradually to minimize risk to downstream levees. Through use of water stored in the Diversion Pool and Thermalito Forebay and Afterbay, flows necessary to meet fishery requirements in the Feather River downstream of the dam will be maintained.

Cutting off flows from the flood control spillway for several days will allow workers to aggressively attack the debris pile at its base and reduce the water level surface elevation of the channel that leads from the Hyatt Power Plant.

Removal of debris will help safeguard Hyatt Power Plant and allow for its eventual reoperation. Once operational, the Hyatt Power Plant can discharge roughly 14,000 cfs, which will allow DWR to better manage reservoir levels through the remaining spring runoff season.

Since February 12th, DWR has reduced water levels in Lake Oroville from 901 feet elevation to 842 feet, nearly 60 feet below the top of the emergency spillway. With current outflows at 50,000 cfs and inflows at only 25,000 cfs, the department will continue to create even more space in the reservoir throughout the day and overnight.

DWR Acting Director Bill Croyle and Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea will discuss these plans to reduce flows at a press briefing tomorrow morning, February 27th, 2017 at 10:00 AM. It will be held at the DWR Oroville Field Division, located at 460 Glen Road in Oroville CA 95966.

For those unable to attend, a conference line has been established. Please call (866) 508-9046 and enter the following code: 5743919. This is for listening purposes only. No questions will be taken over the conference line. The press briefing will also be streamed on DWR’s Facebook page.

For information on lake conditions; including lake levels, inflows, and outflows you can visit the following website. http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cdecapp/resapp/resDetailOrig.action?