Oroville Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Oroville Dam, located in Butte County, California, is a state-regulated structure with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 1968, this earth dam stands at a height of 770 feet and has a storage capacity of 3,540,000 acre-feet. Situated on the Feather River, Oroville Dam serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, recreation, and water supply for the region.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), Oroville Dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 140 feet and eight Tainter radial gates for release of excess water during high flow events. The dam has a very high hazard potential rating due to its location and the potential impacts of a dam failure. Regular inspections by both state and federal agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

With its critical role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region, Oroville Dam is an essential piece of infrastructure that requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to safeguard surrounding communities. As a key component of California's water management system, Oroville Dam is a testament to the importance of effective dam regulation and emergency preparedness in the face of changing climate conditions and increasing water demands.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

6920

Dam Height

770

River Or Stream

Feather River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15800

Hydraulic Height

748

Drainage Area

3611

Nid Storage

3540000

Structural Height

770

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 8

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

770
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.