Lake Oroville

Lake Oroville’s elevation is between 700 feet (213.36 meters) and 900 feet (274.32 meters) above sea level. At full capacity, the lake can reach an elevation of 900 feet (274.32 meters) above sea level, while during periods of drought or low water supply, the lake’s elevation can drop significantly below its normal range. You can check the current elevation of Lake Oroville by visiting the website of the California Department of Water Resources.

Oroville Dam is equipped with a hydroelectric power plant that generates electricity using the water flow from Lake Oroville. The power plant has a capacity of 819 megawatts and can produce approximately 3.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, which is enough to power about 300,000 homes. The electricity generated by the Oroville Dam is sold to the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and other electricity providers, which distribute it to their customers. The dam’s hydroelectric power generation is considered a renewable and clean source of energy, as it does not emit greenhouse gases or other pollutants during operation.

The lake is home to several types of fish, including bass (largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted), catfish, trout, salmon, and panfish (such as bluegill and crappie). Fishing is allowed year-round at Lake Oroville, although specific rules and regulations may apply depending on the season and the type of fish being caught. It is recommended to check with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for up-to-date fishing regulations and to obtain a valid fishing license before fishing in Lake Oroville or any other body of water in California.

Lake Oroville has colder water temperatures and limited visibility. The lake has several areas designated for scuba diving, such as the Bidwell Canyon Marina and the Spillway Launch Ramp, where divers can access the underwater structures and features of the lake, including submerged trees, rocky outcrops, and old mining equipment.

The maximum depth of Lake Oroville is approximately 695 feet (212 meters) when the lake is at its full capacity.