MARYSVILLE, CA – Water releases from Lake Oroville were reduced by more than 90 percent Tuesday after the spillway was damaged, resulting in reduced levels along the Feather River. Yuba County officials said those levels will come back up, as soon as releases from the dam resume.
DWR official emphasize there is no damage to the actual dam.
“We’re working closely with DWR as they address needed repairs to the spillway and develop a schedule for resumption of the water releases,” said Scott Bryan, Yuba County Office of Emergency Services manager. “Residents will likely see levels of the Feather River go down quickly, but they will rise just as fast once repairs are completed and the spillway starts operating again.”
DWR does not yet have an estimated time for completing repairs but reports there is room in the reservoir to handle runoff from this week’s storms. As of this morning, Lake Oroville was at 80 percent of capacity.
Bryan assured residents that his office is in close contact with state officials, as the repairs are being conducted. For now, he said residents should avoid visiting areas long the Feather and Yuba Rivers, in case water level rise rapidly.
To get more information about flood preparedness or to register for emergency alerts via text or email, visit www.BePreparedYuba.org.