Lake Oroville Makes History After Reaching Full Capacity for Third Consecutive Year
Lake Oroville has officially reached full capacity for the third consecutive year. It’s the first time the 57-year-old reservoir has hit this milestone three years in a row.
Located in Butte County, about 70 miles north of Sacramento, Lake Oroville hit its 900-foot elevation mark Friday morning, signaling a full pool. At capacity, the lake holds 3.4 million acre-feet of water — enough to supply more than 7 million households for a year.
The milestone follows a moderately wet winter, particularly in Northern California, where snowmelt continues to replenish the state’s water supply. As of this week, major reservoirs across California are at 116% of average for this time of year.
Lake Oroville plays a critical role in the State Water Project, which provides drinking water to 27 million Californians, mainly in the Bay Area and Southern California.
Despite the healthy water levels, officials are still urging residents to conserve, noting the state’s history of extreme weather swings. Just four years ago, Lake Oroville hit record lows due to severe drought.
Shasta Lake, California’s largest reservoir, also reached capacity this spring, further boosting the state’s overall water outlook for 2025.
