Oroville Main Spillway to Be Used for First Time Since Reconstruction

For the first time following a large reconstruction effort, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) anticipates that today it will use the main spillway to help manage the water level in the Oroville Reservoir and provide flood protection for surrounding communities. “DWR has restored full functionality to the Oroville main spillway and is operating the reservoir to ensure public safety of those downstream,” said DWR State Water Project Deputy Director Joel Ledesma. “The Oroville main spillway was designed and constructed using 21st century engineering practices and under the oversight and guidance from state and federal regulators and independent experts.” In February 2017, the main and emergency spillways threatened to fail, leading to large-scale evacuations in the area. Read the press release at California DWR.