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"url": "https://git.client.guacamolebox.net/butterfly/ragdocs/raw/branch/main/web_results/News_Blog_2026_Mar-2026_Lake-Oroville-Update-March-20-2026.html",
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"title": "\r\n Lake Oroville Update March 20 2026\r\n ",
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"score": 0.3749372215619156,
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"content": "Lake Oroville Update March 20 2026\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n[Skip to Main Content](#main-content)\n\n\u00d7\n\nSaving your location allows us to provide you with more relevant information.\n\n\nSet Location\n\n\n\n* Share:\n\n* [About](/About)\n* [Contact](/Contact)\n* [Current Conditions](/Current-Conditions)\n* [Settings](#siteSettings)\n\n\u00d7\n\nDefault\n\nHigh Contrast\n\nReset\n\nIncrease Font Size\n\nFont\n\nDecrease Font Size\n\nFont\n\n[](/)\n\n\n\nMenu\n\n\n\nContact\n\n\n\n\n\nSearch\n\nSearch this site:\n\nSearch\n\n\u00d7\n\n* [Home\n Home](/)\n* [Water Basics](/Water-Basics)\n\n + [Agriculture\n\n California is an agricultural leader, and it depends on irrigation.](/Water-Basics/Agriculture)\n + [The California Water System\n\n Our water system is a complex relationship between nature and manmade structures that move water.](/Water-Basics/The-California-Water-System)\n + [Climate Change Basics\n\n Climate change can have a profound impact on California\u2019s water resources.](/Water-Basics/Climate-Change-Basics)\n + [Conservation Tips\n\n Water conservation is part of the California lifestyle.](/Water-Basics/Conservation-Tips)\n + [The Delta\n\n The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is the heart of California\u2019s water system.](/Water-Basics/The-Delta)\n + [Drought\n\n Drought is a reoccurring feature of California\u2019s climate.](/Water-Basics/Drought)\n + [Environment\n\n California's unique geography and climate foster a diverse ecosystem that relies on water.](/Water-Basics/Environment)\n + [Flood\n\n California is prone to periodic, and sometimes severe, floods.](/Water-Basics/Flood)\n + [Groundwater\n\n The water stored beneath our feet is an important water supply source in California.](/Water-Basics/Groundwater)\n + [Glossary\n\n Find definitions of key terms and concepts related to our work.](/Water-Basics/Glossary)\n* [What We Do](/What-We-Do)\n\n + [Dam Safety\n\n We provide oversight to the design, construction, and maintenance of over 1,200 dams in California.](/Programs/All-Programs/Division-of-Safety-of-Dams)\n + [Education\n\n We provide resources for teachers and other Californians to learn about the complex world of water.](/What-We-Do/Education)\n + [Emergency Management\n\n We protect life and property from catastrophic events such as flood, drought, and infrastructure fai ...](/What-We-Do/Emergency-Response)\n + [Flood Preparedness\n\n We work with communities and emergency responders to prepare for flood season.](/What-We-Do/Flood-Preparedness)\n + [Infrastructure\n\n We construct, maintain and ensure the safety of a many water infrastructure facilities.](/What-We-Do/Infrastructure)\n + [Power\n\n The SWP is the fourth largest producer of energy in the state.](/What-We-Do/Power)\n + [Recreation\n\n The SWP provides extensive recreational activities at and around its reservoirs.](/What-We-Do/Recreation)\n + [Science\n\n Science is integral to our policy and management decisions.](/What-We-Do/Science)\n + [Sustainability\n\n Our work aims to protect natural ecosystems\u2019 abilities to meet the needs of future generations.](/What-We-Do/Sustainability)\n + [Water Storage & Supply\n\n We operate and maintain the State Water Project and support sustainable groundwater management.](/What-We-Do/Water-Storage-And-Supply)\n* [Programs](/Programs)\n\n + [All Programs\n\n Learn more about our other programs and projects that help sustainably manage California\u2019s water res ...](/Programs/All-Programs)\n + [Bay Delta\n\n Our work in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta aims to improve ecosystems and water quality, supply, r ...](/Programs/Bay-Delta)\n + [California Water Plan\n\n We provide a collaborative planning framework to make informed decisions for our water future.](/Programs/California-Water-Plan)\n + [Division of Safety Dams\n\n DSOD regulates more than 1200 dams to prevent failure, safeguard life, and protect property.](/Programs/All-Programs/Division-of-Safety-of-Dams)\n + [Engineering & Construction\n\n We provide engineering, geology, real estate, and geodetic services for an array of water infrastruc ...](/Programs/Engineering-And-Construction)\n + [Environmental Services\n\n We conduct scientific and environmental analysis to help protect and restore the environment.](/Programs/Integrated-Science-and-Engineering)\n + [Flood Management\n\n Our work in statewide flood forecasting and flood operations help reduce flood risk.](/Programs/Flood-Management)\n + [Groundwater Management\n\n We support the sustainable management of California\u2019s underground water reserves.](/Programs/Groundwater-Management)\n + [Integrated Regional Water Management\n\n We work with regional water managers to implement solutions that increase regional self-reliance.](/Programs/Integrated-Regional-Water-Management)\n + [State Water Project\n\n This water storage and delivery system provides water to almost 27 million Californians and 750,000 ...](/Programs/State-Water-Project)\n + [Water Use & Efficiency\n\n We assist agencies and individuals with agricultural and urban water conservation.](/Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency)\n + [Climate Change\n\n Managing climate change and its impact of water supply is one of DWR\u2019s core values.](/Programs/All-Programs/Climate-Change-Program)\n* [Work with Us](/Work-With-Us)\n\n + [Careers\n\n Join us for a rewarding career ensuring the sustainability of California's water resources.](/About/Careers)\n + [Grants & Loans\n\n We offer a number of grant and loan programs that support integrated water management activities.](/Work-With-Us/Grants-And-Loans)\n + [Real Estate\n\n We acquire temporary and permanent land rights to support our mission.](/Work-With-Us/Real-Estate)\n + [Procurement\n\n We contract for goods and services through our procurement process.](/Work-With-Us/Procurement)\n + [Technical Assistance\n\n We provide technical guidance, assistance, and resources through 4 regional offices.](/Work-With-Us/Technical-Assistance)\n + [Tribal Policy\n\n We are committed to open, inclusive, and regular communication with tribal governments, communities.](/About/Tribal-Policy)\n* [News](/News)\n\n + [Current Conditions\n\n We provide real-time hydrologic information, including reservoir and river conditions.](/Current-Conditions)\n + [DWR Updates\n\n Find feature stories, program updates, videos, and more.](/News/Blog)\n + [Events\n\n View upcoming and past DWR events](/News/Events)\n + [News Releases\n\n View our news releases for the latest information on our work and projects.](/News/News-Releases)\n + [Public Notices\n\n Find notices on public hearings, intent to award contracts and grants, and purchases.](/News/Public-Notices)\n* [Library](/Library)\n\n + [Documents\n\n View DWR reports and publications in our document library.](/SearchResults?search=&primaryFilters=&secondaryFilters=&tab=documents)\n + [Educational Materials\n\n We provide educational publications to view, download, and order.](/What-We-Do/Education/Education-Materials)\n + [Modeling & Analysis\n\n We develop and maintain a number of state-of-the-art models and analytical tools.](/Library/Modeling-and-Analysis)\n + [Other DWR Portals\n\n DWR maintains several additional web portals containing data and maps. These portals remains unchang ...](/Library/Other-DWR-Portals)\n + [Photos\n\n Pixel \u2013 our web-based photo gallery \u2013 features free downloadable images of California\u2019s natural reso ...](https://pixel-ca-dwr.photoshelter.com/index)\n + [Public Forms\n\n We provide an access point to DWR Public forms. The Directory contains links to electronic versions ...](/Library/Public-Forms)\n + [Videos\n\n View our YouTube channel for videos featuring our projects, facilities, and latest news.](https://www.youtube.com/user/calwater)\n* Search\n\n1. [Home](/)\n2. [News](/News)\n3. [DWR Updates](/News/Blog)\n4. Lake Oroville Update March 20 2026\n\nPrint Page\n\n# Lake Oroville Update March 20 2026\n\nPublished:\nMarch 20, 2026\n\n\n\n\nCalifornia Conservation Corps crews carry sections of cut trees to a green chipper.\n\n**DWR Conserving Water Storage at Lake Oroville**\n\nThe 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.\n\nBetween 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.\u00a0Some 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.\n\nDWR 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.\n\nThe information below reflects current reservoir level estimates. Forecasts can change quickly and may affect the estimates provided.\n\n* Current Oroville Reservoir Level: 873 feet elevation\n\n* Current Storage: 88 percent\u00a0of capacity\n\n* Total Releases to the Feather River: 5,500 cubic feet per second (cfs)\n\nThe 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.\n\n**Explore the Lime Saddle Recreation Area**\n\nJust 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nSpring 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.\n\n**Road Closure for Tree Removal**\n\nDWR and its partners at the California Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Butte County Sheriff\u2019s 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\n**Monday through Thursday between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. March 23-26.**\nDWR 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.\n\nDWR\u2019s 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.\n\n**Golden Mussel Inspection Program**\n\nDWR 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\u2019s mussel inspection program are available at\n[water.ca.gov/mussels](https://water.ca.gov/mussels)\n.\n\n***Watercraft Inspection Location/Decontamination Services***\n\n[North Thermalito Forebay](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KEZBUZnk8i6WfE3f8)\nat Garden Drive and HWY 70 in Oroville\n\nHours of operation: Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.\n\n***Sealed Vessel Launching***\n\nLake Oroville\n\nRamp hours: Daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.\n\n* Spillway\n* Bidwell Canyon\n\nRamp hours: Daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.\n\n* Lime Saddle\n* Loafer Creek/Loafer Point\n\nThermalito Afterbay\n\nRamp hours: Daily from 1.5 hours before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset\n\n* Monument Hill\n\nThermalito Forebay\n\nRamp Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to sunset\n\n* North Forebay (Non-motorized vessels only)\n\n**Feather River Fish Monitoring Station**\n\nDWR resumed operations of the\n[Feather River fish monitoring station](https://water.ca.gov/News/Blog/2025/Aug-25/Feather-River-Fish-Monitoring-Station-Provides-Improved-Population-Data-on-Fish-Species)\non 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:\n\n* Spring-run Chinook salmon: 20\n* Steelhead: 3\n* To see previous year data, visit\n [CalFish.org](https://www.calfish.org/ProgramsData/ConservationandManagement/CentralValleyMonitoring/SacramentoValleyTributaryMonitoring/DWR-FeatherRiverFishMonitoringStation.aspx)\n .\n\n**Current Lake Operations**\n\nLake 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.\n\nFeather 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.\n\nThe public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the\n[California Data Exchange Center](https://cdec.water.ca.gov/)\n. The Lake Oroville gage station is identified as \u201cORO.\u201d\n\n*All data as of 11:59 p.m. on 3/19/2026.*\n\n### Tags\n\n[Oroville](# \"Oroville\")\n[Recreation](# \"Recreation\")\n[Construction](# \"Construction\")\n[Invasive Species](# \"Invasive Species\")\n\n### Dates\n\n#### [2017](#collapse-2017)\n\n* [June](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2017&month=6)\n* [October](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2017&month=10)\n* [November](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2017&month=11)\n* [December](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2017&month=12)\n\n#### [2018](#collapse-2018)\n\n* [January](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2018&month=1)\n* [February](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2018&month=2)\n* [March](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2018&month=3)\n* [April](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2018&month=4)\n* [June](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2018&month=6)\n* [July](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2018&month=7)\n* [August](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2018&month=8)\n* [September](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2018&month=9)\n* [October](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2018&month=10)\n* [November](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2018&month=11)\n* [December](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2018&month=12)\n\n#### [2019](#collapse-2019)\n\n* [January](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2019&month=1)\n* [February](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2019&month=2)\n* [March](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2019&month=3)\n* [April](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2019&month=4)\n* [May](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2019&month=5)\n* [June](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2019&month=6)\n* [July](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2019&month=7)\n* [August](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2019&month=8)\n* [September](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2019&month=9)\n* [October](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2019&month=10)\n* [December](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2019&month=12)\n\n#### [2020](#collapse-2020)\n\n* [January](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2020&month=1)\n* [February](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2020&month=2)\n* [March](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2020&month=3)\n* [April](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2020&month=4)\n* [May](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2020&month=5)\n* [June](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2020&month=6)\n* [August](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2020&month=8)\n* [October](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2020&month=10)\n* [November](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2020&month=11)\n* [December](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2020&month=12)\n\n#### [2021](#collapse-2021)\n\n* [November](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2021&month=11)\n\n#### [2022](#collapse-2022)\n\n* [January](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2022&month=1)\n* [March](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2022&month=3)\n* [April](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2022&month=4)\n* [May](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2022&month=5)\n* [June](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2022&month=6)\n* [July](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2022&month=7)\n\n#### [2023](#collapse-2023)\n\n* [February](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2023&month=2)\n* [March](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2023&month=3)\n* [July](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2023&month=7)\n* [September](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2023&month=9)\n* [October](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2023&month=10)\n* [November](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2023&month=11)\n* [December](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2023&month=12)\n\n#### [2024](#collapse-2024)\n\n* [January](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2024&month=1)\n* [February](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2024&month=2)\n* [March](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2024&month=3)\n* [April](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2024&month=4)\n* [May](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2024&month=5)\n* [June](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2024&month=6)\n* [July](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2024&month=7)\n* [August](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2024&month=8)\n* [October](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2024&month=10)\n* [November](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2024&month=11)\n\n#### [2025](#collapse-2025)\n\n* [January](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2025&month=1)\n* [February](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2025&month=2)\n* [March](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2025&month=3)\n* [April](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2025&month=4)\n* [May](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2025&month=5)\n\n#### [2026](#collapse-2026)\n\n* [January](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2026&month=1)\n* [February](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2026&month=2)\n* [March](https://water.ca.gov:443/News/Blog?year=2026&month=3)\n\n#### About\n\n* [Directory](/Contact/Directory)\n* [Executive Bio](/About/Executive-Team)\n* Organizational chart\n* [Careers](/About/Careers)\n* [Email Subscriptions](https://public.govdelivery.com/landing_pages/29426/596c0629d73f8e9662447e5491dfa041)\n\n#### Campaigns\n\n* [Register to vote](http://registertovote.ca.gov)\n* [Save Our Water](http://saveourwater.com/)\n* [Flex Alert](http://www.flexalert.org)\n\n#### Publications\n\n* [News Releases](/News/News-Releases)\n* [Water Education Materials](/What-We-Do/Education/Education-Materials)\n* [DWR Portals](/Library/Other-DWR-Portals)\n\n#### Support\n\n* [Conditions of Use](/Conditions-of-Use)\n* [Tech Specs](/Tech-Specs)\n* [Help](/Help)\n\nOffice of Governor\n\nGavin Newsom\n\n[Visit Governor Website](https://www.gov.ca.gov/)\n\nNatural Resources Agency\n\nWade Crowfoot\n\n[Visit Natural Resources Website](https://resources.ca.gov/)\n\nDepartment of Water Resources\n\nKarla Nemeth\n\n[Visit Director Profile Page](/Executive-Bios-Director)\n\n\n\n* [Back to Top](#skip-to-content)\n* [Contact](/Contact)\n* [Privacy Policy](/Privacy-Policy)\n* [Conditions of Use](/Conditions-of-Use)\n* [Accessibility](/Accessibility)\n* [FPPC Disclosures](/FPPC-Disclosures)\n\n* [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/CADWR)\n* [Twitter](https://twitter.com/CA_DWR)\n* [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/cadepartmentofwaterresources)\n* [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/calwater)\n\nCopyright \u00a9 2026 State of California"
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