Oroville Dam spillway concerns? DWR say no
Lake levels nearing overflow mark
Water levels are on the rise at Lake Oroville. (Matt Bates — Enterprise-Record)
By Brody Fernandez | bfernandez@chicoer.com |
PUBLISHED: May 15, 2019 at 6:06 am | UPDATED: May 15, 2019 at 6:09 am
OROVILLE — The California Department of Water Resources released a Lake Oroville community update on Monday afternoon amid rumors of ongoing safety concerns regarding the Oroville Dam's main spillway.
These rumors have been circulated mostly on Facebook, according to DWR Public Information Officer Elizabeth Whitmore.
"At this time, the community update should answer all questions regarding any safety issues with the main spillway, as well as concerns growing over the upcoming rain storm," Whitmore said.
Oncoming storm
The approaching storm is expected to drop at least 1.5 inches of rain on the valley floor, according to the National Weather Service.
Currently the elevation of the water in Lake Oroville stands at 889 feet elevation — 11 feet below the top — while outflows to the Feather River are 9,500 cubic feet per second, according to the state's data exchange center.
In regards to concerns the storm could bring several inches of rain into the lake forcing the spillway to release water, the community update from the DWR states:
"Forecasts and weather can change rapidly, and DWR will notify the public and media if the main spillway needs to be used to manage reservoir levels … DWR is targeting high lake levels through spring and summer in accordance with normal state and federal regulations, which is good news for local recreation and for statewide water supply."
Sheriff weighs in
Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea also released a statement Monday morning via Twitter after rumors and concerns about the spillway's safety circulated on social media.
Please take a moment to read the attached statement from Sheriff Kory Honea regarding recent rumors and concerns expressed about the Oroville Dam and it's spillway. #ButteSheriff pic.twitter.com/S8tRwDLd4F
— Butte County Sheriff (@ButteSheriff) May 14, 2019
In the statement, Honea says he has spoken to hydrology experts, engineers and DWR officials over the past week regarding the safety of the spillway. The sheriff remained adamant in his statement:
"Based upon (meeting with local officials) I don't believe there is a current imminent threat."
Honea visited the the site Friday.
Joel Ledesma, deputy director of the State Water Project, said the relationship between DWS and the sheriff remain a top priority.
"The sheriff and his office are an integral part of public safety and security at the Oroville Dam complex and we value his partnership in our shared efforts to ensure the safety of those downstream," Ledesma said via the community update.
When will water be released?
Erin Mellon, DWR assistant director for public affairs, said water will be released if the lake gets up to 899 feet, at least.
"It's a more complicated question than you think," Mellon said. "We look at many factors: snow pack melt, weather forecasting, precipitation and water levels. Currently, the Army Corps of Engineers' outline allow for the lake to fill in the summer months, which is relatively common."
The goal is simply "not to go over" according to Mellon.
"Just because we are not using the spillway right now, doesn't mean we're not releasing water from the lake," Mellon said.
Currently the DWR is using the Hyatt Powerplant to keep the lake levels even. At this point, there is no intention of using the spillway unless something causes the lake levels to go over the 900-foot mark. Mellon said factors out of their control, like Mother Nature, play a huge roll.
"The one thing we know about Mother Nature is that she's unpredictable," Mellon said. "In these situations where we get more rain than unexpected or snow melt comes down the mountain at a faster rate, we would take action. This is why we make operational changes in real time and make adjustments based on those changes."
Morning Wire
Brody Fernandez
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