Oroville Dam water levels and storm forecast for Northern California
OROVILLE will be hit by further storms this week as officials battle to repair a damaged spillway at the Oroville Dam. Here is the latest day-by-day weather forecast and an update on the reservoir’s water level.
Californians evacuated as Lake Oroville dam about to burst
A flash flood warning remains in place for south central Butte County until 4am PST (12pm GMT) on Sunday February 19.
The National Weather Service has extended the warning while officials attempt to repair the damaged Oroville Dam spillway.
Dam operators are continuing to lower water levels in the reservoir by releasing water down the main spillway at a rate of 100,000 cubic feet per second.
This action will cause high river levels downstream for the foreseeable future.
As of 7am PST (3pm GMT) today the reservoir’s elevation is 869 feet, a reduction of around 30 feet since its peak early Sunday when it measured 902.59 feet.
California officials hope to lower lake levelsto 850 feet before Sunday. At 901 feet water begins to flow over the emergency spillway.
Oroville Dam water levels
Rainfall is expected to start tomorrow night
Oroville Dam exceeded 151% of its historical average on Sunday
The storm could continue throughout the weekend and bring up to nine inches of rain.
Here is a day-by-day forecast from the National Weather Service.
Thursday
Rain will continue throughout the day with a 60 per cent chance of showers moving into the night. Mostly cloudy with a low around 50F.
Water is being released from the main spillway at 100,00 cubic feet per second
Friday
There will be rain throughout the day with a high of 55F. Showers will continue into the night with a low of 50F.
Saturday
Showers are likely mainly before 10am, skies will be cloudy with a high near 59F. There is a 30 per cent chance of showers into the night with a low around 47F.
Sunday
There is a 50 per cent chance of rain in the day. It will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 57F. Moving into the night rain is likely with a low of around 51F.