Oroville Spillway Incident – Live Updates

February 19, 2017 at 6:30 PM As of this evening 465 personnel are assigned to the Oroville Spillway incident. The cooperating agancies are: Butte County Sheriff, Oroville Police Department, CHP, Butte County OES, California State Parks, Caltrans, Oroville Fire Department, Butte County Public Works, PG&E, CAL FIRE, Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Oroville Hospital, Red Cross, California Conservation Corps, California National Guard, Bureau of Indian Affairs, CAL OES, Gridley-Biggs Police, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

February 19, 2017 at 1:35 PM At 2:00 this afternoon, the Department of Water Resources will increase outflow from the Oroville Dam flood control spillway, from 55,000cfs to 60,000cfs.

This proactive measure is typical of normal flood control operations and is in anticipation of forecasted weather conditions. The increase is temporary and is expected to better balance water flow in and out of the reservoir.

These measures are consistent with DWR’s established plan objectives to continually manage lake levels, water flow, and support construction activities.

February 17, 2017 at 7:45 PM As of this evening, 70,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water is being released from the flood control spillway and inflows into the reservoir are 30,000 cfs. Currently, the elevation of the lake is slightly more than 858 feet; over 40 feet below the height of the emergency spillway.

February 17, 2017 at 8:31 AM Morning update from the Incident Team:

Despite current inclement weather, DWR construction crews continue to repair erosion below the emergency spillway. Rock, aggregate and cement slurry are being used to repair and backfill the affected areas.

As of this morning, water flow from the flood control spillway is 80,000 cubic feet per second. This reduced outflow is allowing debris removal from the diversion pool, below the spillway. The level of the reservoir has been reduced by 40 feet to accommodate inflow from current and forecasted inclement weather and is not expected to exceed anticipated outflows.

The trail system directly affected by the damaged spillway include the Brad Freeman and Dan Beebe trails and have been closed. Launch ramps serving the lake remain closed. California State Park Rangers are providing roving patrols due to a large number of contacts in the closed area.

February 16, 2017 at 10:19 AM DWR has begun reducing outflow from the Oroville Dam flood control spillway to support the removal of debris from the diversion pool located near the spillway.

Removal of debris from the diversion pool further protects, safeguards, and provides for the eventual reoperation of the Hyatt power plant.

This reduced outflow still provides for the reduction of reservoir levels within the timeframes prescribed by the DWR.

These actions are consistent with typical reductions in water flow encountered when head pressures behind food control spillway gates are reduced as reservoir levels fall.

As water flow rates change, automatic messages are generated by the DWR Project Operations Center and are distributed to Area Emergency Managers and the media, as per normal operating procedures.

February 16, 2017 at 8:37 AM Unified Command Morning Update:

227 people remain assigned to the incident. This morning, the lake level sits at 32 feet below the emergency spillway height. Despite weather conditions, crews continue to work around the clock and are making progress with emergency repairs.

Barges and cranes have been mobilized to remove debris and sediment from the diversion pool. These efforts are designed to restore the normal flow of water into the diversion pool and through the Hyatt power plant.

100,000 cfs of water continues to flow through the flood control spillway in an effort to accommodate anticipated inflow from upcoming storms. These storms are forecasted to bring colder temperatures and inflows are anticipated to increase to 45,000 cfs. However, lake levels will continue to decrease.

Cooperating Agencies: Butte County Sheriff, Oroville Police Department, CHP, Butte County OES, California State Parks, Caltrans, Oroville Fire Department, Butte County Public Works, PG&E, CAL FIRE, Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Oroville Hospital, Red Cross, California Conservation Corps, California National Guard, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

February 15, 2017 at 8:08 PM Unified Command evening update:

Today, lake levels fell an additional five feet, and are now 26 feet below the emergency spillway.

Crews continue to work around the clock, regardless of weather conditions, to make emergency repairs. Barges and cranes are being mobilized to remove debris and sediment from the diversion pool.

100,000 cfs of water continues to flow through the flood control spillway in an effort to accommodate anticipated inflow from upcoming storms. These storms are forecasted to bring colder temperatures and inflows are anticipated to increase to 45,000 cfs. However, lake levels will continue to decrease throughout the storm activity.

DWR continues to aggressively monitor the status of the dam, spillways, related structures, and progress of repair activities.

February 15, 2017 at 9:58 AM Nevada County OES: The number of #OrovilleDam evacuees at Nevada County shelters continues to decrease as evacuees return home. In addition, Nevada and Yuba Counties have coordinated with local bus providers to begin transporting evacuees back to their homes. These activities will continue throughout the day. As of 9am today the Nevada County Fairgrounds is no longer accepting new evacuees. Evacuees in need of shelter can go to the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, located on Fair Street in Chico. The First Baptist Church evacuation center is now closed.

February 15, 2017 at 8:10 AM Unified Command Morning Update:

The Department of Water Resources continues to reinforce the emergency spillway. More than 125 construction crews are working around the clock, and are placing 1,200 tons of material on the spillway per hour, using helicopters and heavy construction equipment. Forecasted winds may force workers to temporarily suspend the use of aircraft however, the bulk of the transportation and placement of aggregate is being accomplished with the use of heavy trucks. The construction area is being continually monitored by engineers from the state and federal governments from the ground and with the use of drones.

DWR continues to regulate outflow, to reduce water levels in the reservoir, support construction activities, and protect the Hyatt Power Plant. The level of the reservoir continues to decrease, and at current rates is projected to possess the capacity to absorb anticipated inflows due to forecasted inclement weather.

February 15, 2017 at 7:32 AM Nevada County OES: The number of Oroville Dam evacuees at Nevada County shelters continues to decrease as evacuees begin to return home. Approximately 168 evacuees stayed at the Fairground last night – down more than half from the previous night. This number does not include evacuees in RVs. An additional 45 evacuees stayed at the First Baptist Church on Ridge Road. Emergency officials will be working to consolidate shelters later today, relocating remaining evacuees currently at the First Baptist Church to the Fairgrounds.

February 15, 2017 at 6:46 AM Oroville Reservoir elevation is 879.93 ft at 6:00 am today. Outflow is 99,913 cfs and inflow is 29,093 cfs.

February 14, 2017 at 7:32 PM Evening update on the Oroville Spillway incident:

The Department of Water Resources continues to reinforce the emergency spillway. More than 125 construction crews are working around the clock, and are placing 1,200 tons of material on the spillway per hour using helicopters and heavy construction equipment. The area is being continually monitored from the ground and by the use of drones.

DWR continues to regulate outflow, to reduce water levels in the reservoir, support construction activities, and protect the Hyatt Power Plant. The level of the reservoir continues to decrease, and at current rates is projected to possess the capacity to absorb anticipated inflows due to forecasted inclement weather.

This afternoon the mandatory Evacuation Order was reduced to a warning. “An Evacuation Warning means the immediate threat has ended but the potential for an emergency remains and therefore residents must remain prepared for the possibility of an Evacuation Order,” said Butte County Sheriff Kory L. Honea.

An evacuation center will remain open at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds. All other evacuation centers supported by Butte County will be closed. Residents from other centers who are still seeking shelter due to the Evacuation Warning can go to the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds.

Road and Trail closures:

Oro-Dam East from Glen Drive to Canyon Drive.
Oroville Dam Crest Road closed at the left abutment restrooms. Canyon Drive from Oroville Dam Blvd East to Royal Oaks Drive.

California State Parks has closed off all recreation trails and areas around the Diversion Pool.

Road Blocks/security checkpoints:

Oro-Dam East at Glen Drive, Oro-Dam East at Canyon Drive
Dam Crest Road at Spillway Access Road, Canyon Drive at Royal Oaks Drive
All California Department of Fish and Wildlife areas and facilities, (except for the Chico field office), are closed. The wildlife areas are flooded and extremely dangerous. Please do not attempt to visit them.

February 14, 2017 at 4:38 PM Nevada County OES: The Nevada County evacuation shelter is still open for people who are not ready to go home today, however we cannot take any more donations at this time. Thanks to everyone for their generous donations! This community never ceases to amaze.

February 14, 2017 at 4:34 PM PG&E advises customers to call if gas service and pilot lights need restoring

PG&E is asking its customers to call its customer service number at 1-800-743-5000 if they shut off their gas service before evacuating due to the Oroville Dam Spillway incident. Anytime gas is shut off at a customer’s meter for any reason, call PG&E so we can send a gas service representative to the location to safely restore gas service, provide a check of any gas appliances and relight any pilot lights. This is all done at no charge to the customer.

PG&E’s gas service representatives are trained to examine all natural gas appliances, including gas furnaces, to check for leaks.

If you smell gas, get everyone outside immediately to a location upwind where you no longer can smell natural gas, and call 911 immediately, then call PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.

February 14, 2017 at 4:25 PM All evacuation centers in Butte County will begin procedures to consolidate to the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds. An evacuation center will remain open at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, 2357 Fair Street in Chico (small and large animals accepted).

The following locations will be consolidated to the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds

Chico

• Elks Lodge, 1705 Manzanita Avenue, Chico (RVs allowed in Parking Lot)
• Neighborhood Church of Chico, 2801 Notre Dame Blvd. (no animals inside)
• East Avenue Church, 1184 East Avenue, Chico (no animals accepted)
• St. Johns Episcopal Church, 2341 Floral Avenue, Chico (small animals accepted if leashed and crated)
• Azads Martial Arts, 313 Walnut, Chico (no animals accepted)
• Grace Community Church, 2346 Floral Avenue (RVs allowed in parking lot. Small animals accepted if leashed and crated)

Paradise

• No longer accepting evacuees: Paradise Alliance Church (CMA), 6491 Clark Road (small animals accepted, RVs allowed in Parking Lot)

School Information

• Butte College will be open on Wednesday, February 15th.
• All schools in Butte County are closed through Friday, February 17th, except those located in Chico and Paradise. All Butte County Office of Education offices are also closed.

February 14, 2017 at 1:45 PM Yuba and Sutter County to Reduce Immediate Evacuation Order to Evacuation Advisory

Effective at 1:45 p.m. today, the Evacuation Order for the Oroville Dam Spillway Incident has been reduced to an Evacuation Advisory. Any resident displaced by the evacuation may return home at 1:45 p.m.; however all residents are advised to maintain a heightened level of awareness. People who have special needs or require extended time to evacuate should consider remaining evacuated.

An Evacuation Advisory considers the probability that an area will continue to be affected and residents need to remain prepared for an Evacuation Order.

The decision to reduce the Immediate Evacuation Order to an Evacuation Advisory is based on a number of factors. With the rate of release through the primary spillway remaining at 100,000 cfs, over the last two days the lake level has dropped 12 feet below the top of the auxiliary spillway and no longer has water flowing over the top. With the water level reduced, geologists and dam safety engineering specialists from the Department of Water Resources (DWR), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the United States Army Corps of Engineers were able to inspect the damage. That inspection revealed that the integrity of the emergency spillway was not compromised by the erosion.

However, to prevent further erosion the DWR has decided to line the front of the spillway with boulders and concrete. That work is expected to be completed tomorrow, ahead of the forecasted stormy weather. This mitigation work will reduce the risk of erosion should the emergency spillway have to be used again. DWR will continue to discharge water through the main spillway in order to lower the reservoir to 850 feet elevation (approximately 50 feet below full).

Yuba and Sutter County Offices of Emergency Services will be evaluating the status of the shelters that are in place and will provide further updates later today on which locations will remain open for the Evacuation Advisory.

Disabled residents in Yuba County shelters who need assistance with transportation home should notify their shelter manager of their transportation needs. Disabled residents in shelters who live in Sutter County and need assistance with transportation home should call 530-822-4988 or 530-822-7556 for para-transport arrangements. Local agencies and medical facilities are determining when patients can be returned to any evacuated medical facilities or care homes.

Both Sutter and Yuba County Sheriffs and Police Chiefs from Yuba City, Marysville, and Wheatland would like to thank those members of the community who were affected by this evacuation for their cooperation and patience. It was a difficult decision to order the immediate evacuation, but the need to act swiftly in the face of a potentially catastrophic incident was necessary in order to ensure public safety.

When you return home:
* Take all of your personal items and small animals with you when you leave an evacuation center

* Drive carefully, thousands of residents evacuated and will be driving back to their homes

* Residents should stay tuned to local information sources for any changes to the Evacuation Advisory; including Yuba County Office of Emergency Services website and Facebook page, and their information site at www.bepreparedyuba.org; and our Yuba County Sheriff Facebook page and twitter @YubaSheriff and Sutter County Office of Emergency Services website at www.bepreparedsutter.org and Facebook page.

* The Yuba County Emergency Operations Center public phone number is 530-749-7520

* The Sutter County Emergency Operations Center public phone number is 530-822-4988 or 530-749-7556

February 14, 2017 at 1:41 PM County of Sutter: Effective at 1:00 p.m. today, the Evacuation Order for the Oroville Dam Spillway Incident has been reduced to an Evacuation Advisory. Any resident displaced by evacuation may return home at 1:00 p.m. All residents are advised to maintain heightened level of awareness.

February 14, 2017 at 1:33 PM Nevada County OES update: Current reports are that the Nevada County Fairgrounds have reached their capacity and are no longer accepting evacuees. The Nevada County Office of Emergency Services is recommending evacuees seek shelter at the First Baptist Church located on Ridge Road across from Nevada Union. There appears to be sufficient capacity at First Baptist, and there are no plans to open up additional shelters at this time.

February 14, 2017 at 11:37 AM Nevada County OES: The Nevada County Fairgrounds are again approaching capacity as evacuees are relocating to the Fairgrounds from other locations.

The Fairgrounds are currently looking for donations of prepackaged food. If you have prepackaged food you’re willing to donate, please deliver them to Gate 2. They are also in desperate need of clean towels and continue to look for diaper wipes, ponchos for rain, new adult underwear, and socks for evacuees. If you’re interested in donating these goods, please drop them off at Gate 5.

First Baptist Church (1866 Ridge Rd, Grass Valley – across from Nevada Union) continues to remain an open shelter as well.

February 14, 2017 at 11:15 AM Butte College will be closed on Tuesday, February 14th – Butte College buses will not be running. Call Butte College Police Department with questions, (530) 895-2351.
All schools in Butte County are closed through Friday, February 17th, except those located in Chico and Paradise. All Butte County Office of Education offices are also closed.

February 14, 2017 at 9:56 AM As of this morning, approximately 588 evacuees remain in various shelters in Nevada County. 248 in the Fairground buildings, 240 in the RV parking and approximately 100 in other shelters. The RV parking has more space available, if needs be.

February 14, 2017 at 9:29 AM The official morning update by the Unified Command

The Department of Water Resources continues to reinforce the emergency spillway. Crews worked through the night, adding rock and material to areas of erosion. These activities are being undertaken 24 hours a day and are supported by helicopters and heavy construction equipment. There is no water flowing over the emergency spillway.

DWR continues to regulate outflow in an effort to reduce water levels in the reservoir, support construction activities and protect the Hyatt Power Plant. The level of the reservoir continues to decrease and at current rates, is projected to possess the capacity to absorb anticipated inflows due to forecasted inclement weather.

A Temporary Flight Restriction has been enacted for the area of the Oroville Dam as crews conduct continual surveys. This restriction includes recreational drones.

February 14, 2017 at 9:20 AM Per CHP Headquarters, the following hard closures remain in place for the #OrovilleDam emergency

State Route 99 at Durham-Pentz Rd.
State Route 99 at State Route 149
State Route 70 at Clark Rd.
State Route 70 at State Route 149
EB State Route 20 at Aquas Frias
State Route 70 at Woodruff Ln.
State Route 70 at State Route 20
State Route 99 at State Route 20

Additional roads closed from State Route 70 to State Route 99.

EB/WB Cottownwood Rd.
EB/WB Nelson Shippee Rd.
EB/WB State Route 162 (Oro Dam Blvd.)
East Gridley Road just east of the Feather River Bridge

February 14, 2017 at 9:17 AM Sutter County Emergency Ops Center responded to 1100+ calls last 24hrs. Numbers: 530-822-4988, 530-822-7556, 530-822-4985.

February 14, 2017 at 9:04 AM Marysville Schools will remain closed for the remainder of the week, per Yuba County OES.

February 14, 2017 at 7:47 AM Nevada County OES update: Later this morning the shelter at Calvary Bible Church (11481 CA-174, Grass Valley – across from Union Hill School) will be closed. Approximately 7 evacuees who stayed at the site last night will be transported to another shelter facility.

February 14, 2017 at 7:29 AM As of 7:00 am, Oroville reservoir level is at 889.22 ft. Outflow is at 99,694 cfs and inflow at 43,113 cfs.

February 14, 2017 at 7:01 AM Butte County: County Offices and Facilities in the Oroville, Biggs, and Gridley area will be closed on Tuesday, February 14th.

Neal Road Recycling and Waste Facility is closed to the public today, 02/14/2017. Waste Management and Northern Recycling will collect waste curbside. Recology will not be collecting waste curbside in south Butte County.

CAL FIRE still has close to 200 personnel assigned to assist with the Spillway Incident. Morning Update will be here shortly.

February 13, 2017 at 6:31 PM CAL FIRE update: The Department of Water Resources advises that the primary spillway continues to flow at 100,000 cfs and lake levels have dropped to 894’ feet.

After evaluating the erosion on the emergency spillway, a plan was put in place to prevent further erosion. Utilizing trucks and helicopters, crews moved large rocks and gravel to fill erosion on the emergency spillway. DWR staff continues to inspect and evaluate the emergency and primary spillways for further erosion.

Total discharges from the reservoir remain consistent with flood control releases at this time of year under these weather conditions. DWR does not expect the discharge from the reservoir to exceed the capacity of any channel downstream.

All California Department of Fish and Wildlife areas and facilities, except for the Chico field office, are closed. The wildlife areas are flooded and extremely dangerous, please do not attempt to visit them.

February 13, 2017 at 6:20 PM Nevada County will proclaim a local emergency tomorrow. Why?

On February 12, 2017 at approximately 4 p.m., Nevada County began providing emergency services and opened its emergency shelters to provide food, emergency supplies, medical attention, shelter, transportation and services for the elderly, social services, therapists, animal food and shelter, and to provide supplies and other services as needed to address the complex and rapidly changing circumstances to individuals displaced by the emergency evacuation

Nevada County is currently housing and providing food and resources to approximately 800 evacuees, 80 Yuba County Jail inmates, and 30 Juvenile Hall juveniles, as well as housing Yuba County’s temporary Emergency Operations Center, and it is anticipated that this emergency will exist for the next several days, and until the Oroville Dam Spillway emergency and threat of uncontrolled flooding has stabilized.

February 13, 2017 at 5:54 PM California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today issued a consumer alert concerning price gouging in the wake of the Oroville Dam Auxiliary Spillway Incident and related evacuations.

February 13, 2017 at 4:58 PM Nevada County is adding an emergency item to tomorrow’s BOS agenda. A  proclamation of a local emergency due to extreme precipitation, excessive water capture and significant damage to the Oroville Dam spillways and requesting the governor proclaim a state of emergency for Nevada County.

February 13, 2017 at 4:13 PM DWR: Efforts are underway to make repairs to both the primary and auxiliary spillways at Lake Oroville.

February 13, 2017 at 4:05 PM Helicopters have started to drop boulders at the emergency spillway. State Parks photo

February 13, 2017 at 3:56 PM FEMA Activates To Support California with Potential Oroville Auxiliary Spillway Failure

February 13, 2017 at 3:12 PM Nevada County OES: The fairgrounds is housing approximately 800 people at this time. Three buildings are being used for shelter and food serving. County staff are augmenting Red Cross and Salvation Army staff to meet the needs for this large crowd. They cannot accept food unless it is commercially packaged and wrapped.

February 13, 2017 at 3:00 PM All Butte College Facilities will be closed on Tuesday 2/14. Please call Butte College Police Dept. 530-895-2351 if you have any questions.

February 13, 2017 at 2:18 PM All jurisdictions within Yuba and Sutter Counties remain under an evacuation notice. Local officials are monitoring the situation and will provide updates on a regular basis.

All Yuba and Sutter County schools are cancelled tomorrow, February 14, 2017 except for Camptonville.

February 13, 2017 at 1:49 PM A Red Cross shelter for people affected by Oroville Spillway evacuations  is open at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento.

February 13, 2017 at 12:28 PM  The Nevada County Fairgrounds evacuation center is full; however, First Baptist Church has opened at 1866 Ridge Road in Grass Valley. The Fairgrounds is still accepting large and small animals.  The donation list remains the same: baby and adult diapers, adult underwear, socks, Lysol wipes, women’s/men’s sweatpants and sweatshirts, deodorant, toothpaste/toothbrushes, soap, Chapstick, shampoo, combs and scissors.

From the Nevada County Veterinary Disaster Response Team (overseeing the large and small animals), there is a need for animal crates, blankets for large and small animals, and water bowls for large and small animals.

February 13, 2017 at 12:22 PM All evacuation orders remain in place, says Butte County Sheriff.

February 13, 2017 at 12:19 PM DWR: Releasing over 110,000 CFS via the main Oroville Spillway.  Lake level dropping around 8′ per day. No water has flown over the emergency spillway at this time.

February 13, 2017 at 11:41 AM The Nevada County Fairgrounds is opening a third building for evacuees. The Main Street and Ponderosa buildings are filling up, now the three-wing Northern Mines building will be available as well. Approximately 600 evacuees spent the night at the Fairgrounds. Spokesperson Wendy Oaks stated the RV Park at Gate 4 still has spaces available.

At this time, blankets and personal hygiene item donations are accepted at Gate 1 at the Fairgrounds. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the need for packaged snacks and pet food has been met.

The Food Bank of Nevada County has dropped off several pallets of food at the Fairgrounds and the Salvation Army is preparing meals for the evacuees.

Nevada County OES is opening another shelter at First Baptist Church 1866 Ridge Rd in Grass Valley at this time. Some 200 evacuees who spent the night at Beale Air Force Base will be relocated to Grass Valley. OES Manager John Gulserian encourages locals to call 1-800-RED-CROSS for monetary donations and donation information.

February 13, 2017 at 10:48 AM BEALE EMERGENCY RESPONSE: As of 7:30 p.m. yesterday, Beale Air Force Base opened its gates to support local communities. This was an immediate and emergency action to support a portion of the 180,000 evacuees of the Oroville Dam emergency situation. We have received approximately 400 evacuees. Our efforts today are to transition those requiring long term and specialized care to a Red Cross designated location. Our efforts are being coordinated through the California Office of Emergency Services. Beale Air Force Base continues to provide shelter and support to our local community partners and citizens. Please contact the Beale Air Force Base Emergency Family Action Center regarding those sheltered in our facilities, (530) 634-5627.

February 13, 2017 at 10:01 AM Yuba County update: This morning, ALL Yuba County communities on the valley floor are still under Mandatory Evacuation, with the exception of Wheatland, which is under Voluntary Evacuation.

The Mandatory Evacuation applies to District 10, Marysville, Linda, Olivehurt, Arboga, and Plumas Lake. Please DO NOT return to those areas until we determine it is safe to do so. We are working to keep people out of harm’s way. We understand evacuation orders in Sutter County, Yuba City and Live Oak are also unchanged.

February 13, 2017 at 9:58 AM Red Cross of Northeastern California: Last night Red Cross Gold Country volunteers provided shelter to 800 people at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico. The combined total for Red Cross and community shelters was 2200.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served to evacuees today with the help of the Salvation Army.

The shelter at Silver Dollar Fairgrounds will remain open tonight. It has capacity for over 1000 people to stay overnight, and there are showers on site.

The American Red Cross thanks all partner organizations, including the Salvation Army, Americorps, and the California Conservation Corps, for providing personnel to assist people affected by the Oroville Spillway evacuations.

We appreciate the concern of people wanting to volunteer or donate items at our shelter; currently we are fortunate to have all of the supplies and personnel we need. If you would like to become a Red Cross volunteer or make a donation to the general disaster fund, please go to RedCross.org/GoldCountry or call 1800REDCROSS.

To find an open shelter in your area: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery/find-an-open-shelter

February 13, 2017 at 9:32 AM Road Closures:

North Bound 70 @ 18th Street in Marysville
South Bound 99 @ 149th Street
North Bound 99 @ 20th Street

February 13, 2017 at 9:29 AM Evacuation Center Recap:

Chico:
Silver Dollar Fairgrounds: 2357 Fair Street, Chico (small animals accepted)
Neighborhood Church of Chico: 2801 Notre Dame Blvd. (no animals inside)
St. Johns Episcopal Church: 2341 Floral Ave.
East Avenue Church: 1184 East Ave.

Colusa:
Colusa County Fairgrounds: 1303 10th St.

Paradise:
Paradise Alliance Church (CMA), 6491 Clark Road (small animals accepted, RVs allowed in Parking Lot) Elks Lodge (Paradise) 1100 Elks Lane, Paradise – (no small animals accepted, RVs allowed)

Oregon House:
Alcouffe Community Center: 9185 Marysville Rd.

Orland:
Glenn County Fairgrounds: 221 E. Yolo St.

Grass Valley:
Nevada County Fairgrounds: 11228 McCourtney Rd.

Woodland:
Yolo County Fairgrounds: 1250 Gum Ave.

February 13, 2017 at 9:01 AM National Weather Service California Nevada River Forecast Center: Feather River at Gridley forecast to remain above monitor stage w/ latest info on releases from Lake Oroville.

February 13, 2017 at 8:53 AM CAL FIRE update:

The Department of Water Resources advises that at 10pm last night, the reservoir receded to below 901 feet and flows over the emergency spillway halted. Outflow from the primary spillway remains at 100,000 cfs. DWR staff continues to inspect and evaluate the emergency and primary spillways for further erosion. Crews are actively removing debris and sediment from waterways, in an effort to reactivate the Hyatt power plant.

Total discharges from the reservoir remain consistent with flood control releases at this time of year under these weather conditions. DWR does not expect the discharge from the reservoir to exceed the capacity of any channel downstream.

Efforts are being undertaken to make repairs to both, the primary and emergency spillways.

A Temporary Flight Restriction has been enacted for the area of the Oroville Dam as crews conduct continual surveys. This restriction includes recreational drones.

February 13, 2017 at 8:35 AM DWR engineers and soil technicians are assessing the auxiliary spillway damage now. Updated conditions will be posted as soon as available.

February 13, 2017 at 7:40 AM 3:00 am update from the Nevada County Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds is available for evacuees and animals. We are not full, and we have room in our buildings and our RV Park.

We have about 600 people on the grounds, about 15 large dogs, and many small animals. The Red Cross has notified us that the Salvation Army will be bringing breakfast and lunch to all the evacuees in the morning; however, they are in need of prepackaged snack food (no homemade food is allowed) and blankets for the evacuees. There is plenty of bottled water, so no need for water donations. They are also in need of dog and cat food for the small animals.

The Nevada County Veterinary Disaster Response Team (who is overseeing the large animal evacuations) has about 15 large dogs, and they have enough food and supplies for these animals, so there is not a need for food and blankets for them at this time. All prepackaged snack food, blanket, and small animal pet food donations can be dropped off at Gate 1 at the Fairgrounds, and Red Cross will oversee the distribution. Thank you for your generosity, and your patience as we work with the various organizations to best help those in need.

February 13, 2017 at 7:30 AM Disabled Butte County residents who need assistance evacuating in Butte County can call (530) 342-0221 for a para-transport.

February 13, 2017 at 7:20 AM At 7:00 am Lake Oroville reservoir elevation is 897.55 ft. Reported outflow is 99,804 cfs.

February 13, 2017 at 6:50 AM Nevada County Consolidated Fire has staffed the evacuation center at the fairgrounds with medical staff to assist the evacuees.

February 13, 2017 at 12:20 AM Lake Oroville is now at 899.77 ft. – or 99.8% of total capacity. DWR officials stated their goal is to lower the level to 850 ft before the next weather system on Wednesday.

February 13, 2017 at 12:19 AM Nevada County OES: Current estimate is 535 evacuees. Found about 100 more cots in Truckee area. May take a few hours to get them loaded and brought down.

February 13, 2017 at 12:07 AM Placer County evac center (800 All American Pkwy Roseville) seeking Spanish and Punjabi-speaking volunteer.

February 13, 2017 at 12:00 AM Butte Superintendent of Schools, Tim Taylor, has called closure of all schools on Monday, February 13, 2017. Bangor Union Elementary School District, Biggs Unified School District, Durham Unified School District, Feather Falls Union Elementary School District, Golden Feather Union Elementary School District, Gridley Unified School District, Manzanita Elementary School District, Oroville Elementary School District, Oroville Union High School District, Palermo Union Elementary School District, Pioneer Union Elementary School District and Thermalito Union Elementary School District in Butte County.  All of Butte County Office of Education offices and schools in Oroville will also be closed. The following Butte County School Districts are not included in this closure advisory: Chico Unified School District and Paradise Unified School District.

February 12, 2017 at 11:53 PM CHP: We are out with Caltrans HQ helping motorists who are out of gas. #OrovilleDam

February 12, 2017 at 11:51 PM Nevada County OES: Current estimate is 450 evacuees at the Fairgrounds.  People are still arriving, but the flow has slowed down.

February 12, 2017 at 11:38 PM Nevada County OES: More water and snacks are on the way to the fairgrounds, should be there by midnight.  Current estimate is about 450 people.

February 12, 2017 at 11:30 PM Beale Air Force Base: Beale has received approximately 200 people and plan to receive many more. We will not turn anyone away. We stand beside our community.

February 12, 2017 at 11:21 PM CHP has over 100 additional officers deployed to the area, five aircraft assigned.

February 12, 2017 at 11:19 PM Press conference at CalOES now. CA National Guard activates, 1,200 people assigned to the incident, ready to help. CAL FIRE has over 250 firefighters assigned with a Type I Management Team coordinating.

February 12, 2017 at 10:49 PM Governor Brown Issues Emergency Order to Help Response to Situation at Oroville Dam

February 12, 2017 at 10:33 PM Nevada County: There are about 400 people at the fairgrounds now. Unfortunately, there are not enough cots for everyone. 50 more cots are on the way from El Dorado County. Water and snacks should be arriving by 11pm.

February 12, 2017 at 10:20 PM Inflow at reservoir is currently 40,000 cfs, outflow is 100,000 cfs. DWR wants the reservoir level to come down 50ft before this week’s storm.

February 12, 2017 at 10:14 PM CHP UPDATE for Oroville Dam: SB 149 at 99, SB 70 at 149, EB 162 at 99, & 149 at Openshaw Rd. are all CLOSED.

February 12, 2017 at 9:53 PM CAL FIRE Incident Management Team #3 is now in Unified Command with Butte County Sheriff and the Department of Water Resources on managing the incident.

February 12, 2017 at 9:51 PM CHP Video of Oroville Dam earlier today.

February 12, 2017 at 9:45 PM Per Amtrak, NB & SB Starlight line travelers will be bussed around the evacuation area. Union Pacific holding all rail traffic from Sacramento to Redding.

February 12, 2017 at 9:44 PM Nevada County Fairgrounds is currently sheltering 143 people. 150 people are waiting for a cot. Recreational vehicles are being accepted at the fairgrounds.

February 12, 2017 at 9:23 PM The Nevada County Fairgrounds are open to flood evacuees and all animals. For cars (non RVs), go to Gate 1; for RVs, go to Gate 4; for large and small animals, go to Gate 8. The GVPD and Red Cross are onsite and at the various gates to assist evacuees.

February 12, 2017 at 9:07 PM Yuba River at Marysville (MRYC1).

A CHANGE IN FLOOD CATEGORY HAS BEEN **FORECASTED** Previous Forecasted flood stage was: Near Flood Stage, New Forecasted flood stage is: No Flooding Forecasted 48 hour crest: 73.5 ft

February 12, 2017 at 8:55 PM From Nevada County OES: The fairgrounds is open as an evacuation center.  Please enter at gate 1.  Large animals will be accepted. There are currently about 100 people at the evacuation center.

February 12, 2017 at 8:47 PM NWS Sacramento: A Flash Flood Warning for the potential failure of a portion of the auxiliary spillway of Oroville Dam Remains in effect until 4:15 PM Monday for South Central Butte County.

Operation of the auxiliary spillway has lead to severe erosion that could lead to a failure a portion of the structure. Failure of the auxiliary spillway structure would result in an uncontrolled release of flood waters from Lake Oroville.

Only the auxiliary spillway of Oroville dam is considered to be under threat at this time.

February 12, 2017 at 8:29 PM Oroville Dam – Beale Emergency Response:

Due to the current emergency situation regarding the possible Oroville Dam spillway north of Beale Air Force Base; In support of local communities, Beale Air Force Base has authorized transit across the installation entering via either Doolittle Gate (off of Hammonton Smartsville road) or Schneider Gate (North Beale road) and exiting to higher ground via the Grass Valley gate. Additionally, the Harris Fitness Center located on base is currently an active shelter location. Evacuees seeking shelter will park at Dragon Town and from there be transferred to the OMNI for registration via bus. Beale AFB, is able to provide shelter for 400 individuals and Contrails dining facility will offer food and water.

February 12, 2017 at 8:06 PM At least 130,000 people are under mandatory evacuation orders due to the spillway failure.

February 12, 2017 at 7:57 PM Butte County offices in the #Oroville area will be closed for business tomorrow due to the evacuation from the #Spillway incident.

February 12, 2017 at 7:51 PM Butte County Evacuation update:

Evacuation Area
Oroville Area: Downtown Oroville and Thermalito, the areas south of Lincoln Blvd on the west side of Lincoln to Ophir Road. All low lying areas around the Feather River, which includes Gridley, Biggs, Yuba City, Loma Rica, and anywhere south of Butte County along the River. We will provide more specific information later.

Evacuation Shelter
Chico

Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, 2357 Fair Street, Chico (small animals accepted) – FULL
Neighborhood of Church of Chico, 2801 Notre Dame Blvd. (no animals inside)
Paradise

Paradise Alliance Church (CMA), 6491 Clark Road (small animals accepted, RVs allowed in Parking Lot)
Elks Lodge (Paradise) 1100 Elks Lane, Paradise – (no small animals accepted, RVs allowed in Parking Lot)

Alternate Locations for RVs
Rolling Hils RV Park, Corning

Animals Shelters
Large Animal Shelter – Camelot Equestrian Center, 1985 Clark Road

February 12, 2017 at 7:46 PM Caltrans: SR 70 in the Feather River Canyon remains CLOSED indefinitely between Jarbo Gap in Butte Co and the Greenville Wye in Plumas Co.

February 12, 2017 at 7:41 PM The Nevada County Fairgrounds will be opened as an emergency evacuation center. Access will be via Gate 4. RV’s are welcome and there will be space for animal evacuations as well.

February 12, 2017 at 7:39 PM Per Butte County: Evacuation shelter at the Silver Dollar Fair is now full. An additional shelter is open at Neighborhood Church in Chico, 2801 Notre Dame

February 12, 2017 at 7:38 PM Caltrans: Traffic jammed up everywhere in Yuba City and Marysville due to evacuation order. Expect major delays.

February 12, 2017 at 7:27 PM Butte County: Large animal shelter open at Camelot Equestrian Park,1985 Clark Road for residents evacuating

February 12, 2017 at 7:14 PM Based on latest info on releases from #LakeOroville, here’s the Feather River forecast at Gridley. Next update as needed or 8PM.

February 12, 2017 at 6:51 PM City of Yuba City strongly recommends an evacuation of all residents immediately. Travel options are as follows: South on Highway 99, West on Highway 20, Highway 99 South to Highway 113, or South on George Washington to Highway 113. Do not travel Eastbound on Highway 20 or Bridge Street as the bridges are closed. Do not travel North.

February 12, 2017 at 6:49 PM Butte County: Disabled residents evacuating from Oroville who cannot get friends or family to assist, should call 9-1-1 for an ambulance.

February 12, 2017 at 6:46 PM The Glenn County Sheriff is opening an emergency evacuation shelter in Orland at the Glenn County Fairgrounds at 7:30 PM tonight. Address: 221 E Yolo St.

February 12, 2017 at 6:38 PM Per Foothill Fire in Brownsville: An evacuation center is being opened at the Alcouffe Center in Oregon House. It is located at 9185 Marysville Road.

February 12, 2017 at 6:25 PM Based on information received from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the incident command team managing Lake Oroville, counties and cities near Lake Oroville and the surrounding area issued evacuation orders for residents.

The concern is that erosion at the head of the auxiliary spillway threatens to undermine the concrete weir and allow large, uncontrolled releases of water from Lake Oroville.  Those potential flows could exceed the capacity of downstream channels. To avert more erosion at the top of the auxiliary spillway, DWR doubled the flow down its main spillway from 55,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 100,000 cfs.

The next several hours will be crucial in determining whether the concrete structure at the head of the auxiliary spillway remains intact and prevents larger, uncontrolled flows. Current flows are contained with downstream channels.

Flow over the auxiliary spillway weir began Saturday morning and has slowed considerably.

DWR officials expect that flow to stop entirely soon, which will reduce the erosion on the downstream side of the structure. Oroville Dam itself is sound and is a separate structure from the auxiliary spillway.

February 12, 2017 at 6:22 PM Butte County Sheriff: The Lake Oroville Dam Auxiliary Spillway structure has suffered potentially catastrophic damage as a result of erosion secondary to water flow. This damage could result in catastrophic failure of the Auxiliary Spillway. The California Department of Water Resources has increased exhaust water flow from the Gated Spillway to 100,000 cfs in an attempt to decrease Lake Oroville water levels. This effort is an attempt to reduce flow from the Auxiliary Spillway. As an additional measure, helicopters will be depositing rock filled containers to strengthen the potential failure point. This development caused the Butte County Sheriff, Kory L. Honea, to order the mandatory evacuation of the City of Oroville, south to the Butte County Line. Residents are advised to evacuate north to the City of Chico. An evacuation shelter has been established at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds. The Sheriff, in an effort to safe guard residents of Butte County, had no choice but to make the decision to require this mandatory order.

February 12, 2017 at 6:17 PM Sutter County OEM immediate evacuation ordered for Live Oak, Yuba City, Nicolaus & all communities Feather River Yuba City basin. Evacuate West on Hwy 20 and/or South on Hwy 99 and Hwy 70 toward Sacramento

February 12, 2017 at 6:08 PM NWS Sacramento: Oroville Dam itself is not compromised at current time. Failure would be aux spillway.

February 12, 2017 at 6:08 PM Evacuation for Yuba includes Hallwood, Marysville, Olivehurst/Linda and Plumas Lake due to potential failure of Oroville Dam spillway.

February 12, 2017 at 5:57 PM Per CAL FIRE: Mandatory Evacuation order is for Oroville to the Sutter County line.

February 12, 2017 at 5:48 PM Per Marysville PD: An emergency evacuation of the City of Marysville and Yuba County has been issued.

February 12, 2017 at 5:42 PM Butte County: Residents evacuating Oroville can bring small animals to the shelter at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico.

February 12, 2017 at 5:33 PM Yuba County Office of Emergency Services· ALERT-ALERT-ALERT — Yes, an evacuation has been ordered. All of Yuba County on the valley floor. The auxiliary spillway is close to failing. Please travel safely. Contact family and friends. Help the elderly. Take only routes to the east, south, or west. DO NOT TRAVEL NORTH TOWARD OROVILLE!!!!!

February 12, 2017 at 5:28 PM The Public Information Line for the #OrovilleSpillway is currently down while call takers evacuate. Line will be back up shortly.

February 12, 2017 at 5:09 PM Residents evacuating #Oroville area should be aware Nelson Avenue is closed at Table Mountain Blvd. due to ongoing road construction.

February 12, 2017 at 4:56 PM Failure of Auxiliary Spillway at Oroville Dam Imminent – Evacuations Ordered. This is NOT a drill! Immediate evacuation from the low levels of Oroville and areas downstream is ordered. Evacuation shelter for residents evacuated from #Oroville located at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico. 2357 Fair St, Chico .

February 12, 2017 – At 4:19 PM PST, Dam operators reported a hazardous situation is   developing with the Oroville Dam auxiliary spillway. Operation of the auxiliary spillway has lead to severe erosion that could lead to a failure of the structure. Failure of the auxiliary spillway structure will result in an uncontrolled release of flood waters from Lake Oroville.

In response to this developing situation, DWR is increasing water releases to 100,000 cubic feet per second.

Immediate evacuation from the low levels of Oroville areas downstream is ordered. From Oroville to Gridley…low level areas around the feather river will experience rapid river rises.

This is not a Drill. This is not a Drill. Repeat this is not a   drill.

Locations impacted include:  Oroville, Palermo, Gridley, Thermalito, South Oroville, Oroville  Dam, Oroville East and Wyandotte.

From CAL FIRE:

This is an evacuation order.

Immediate evacuation from the low levels of Oroville and areas downstream is ordered.

A hazardous situation is developing with the Oroville Dam auxiliary spillway.  Operation of the auxiliary spillway has lead to severe erosion that could lead to a failure of the structure.  Failure of the auxiliary spillway structure will result in an uncontrolled release of flood waters from Lake Oroville.

In response to this developing situation, DWR is increasing water releases to 100,000 cubic feet per second.

Immediate evacuation from the low levels of Oroville and areas downstream is ordered.

This in NOT A Drill. This in NOT A Drill. This in NOT A Drill.