Oroville Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Oroville Dam, located in California, is the tallest dam in the United States and plays a significant role in the state's water supply.


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Summary

The dam was completed in 1968 and provides hydroelectric power, flood control, and irrigation water to the surrounding agricultural areas. The dam's reservoir is fed by the Feather River, which in turn is supplied by both surface flow and snowpack from the Sierra Nevada mountains. The reservoir also serves as a recreational area for boating, fishing, and camping. However, in 2017, the dam experienced significant damage during heavy rains, leading to concerns about its safety and necessitating emergency repairs. Despite these concerns, Oroville Dam continues to be an essential component of California's water infrastructure.

Reservoir Details

24hr Change None%
Percent of Normal None%
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Average
Nid_Height 770
Hydraulic_Height 748
Drainage_Area 3611
Year_Completed 1968
Dam_Height 770
Structural_Height 770
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Foundations Rock
Surface_Area 15800
Outlet_Gates Tainter (radial) - 8
Nid_Storage 3540000
River_Or_Stream Feather River
Dam_Length 6920
Hazard_Potential High
       
Seasonal Comparison
Storage Levels
Pool Elevation Levels
Top Conserv Storage Levels
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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.