Lake Oroville Reaches 100 Percent Capacity for the Second Consecutive Year
Lake Oroville has reached full capacity for the second year in a row, signaling a boon for water supply in California.
As of Monday, data from DWR shows that Lake Oroville is holding approximately 3,521,948 acre-feet of water, just shy of its maximum capacity of 3,537,577 acre-feet.
Despite the reservoir reaching full capacity, DWR assures the public that seeing waves splash and minor amounts of water entering the emergency spillway is normal and expected. Such occurrences are part of routine operations designed to manage water levels efficiently.
With the dam at capacity, water managers are planning to release more water to accommodate the upcoming snowmelt runoff. These releases will likely cause water levels in the Feather River to rise, a factor that residents and visitors in the area should be aware of.
Lake Oroville is a vital water source for approximately 27 million Californians. Its health and capacity are crucial not only for water supply but also for environmental management and flood risk mitigation. In comparison, other major state reservoirs are also reporting healthy levels. Lake Shasta, the largest reservoir in California, is at 97% capacity, while Lake Folsom is at 89% capacity.
