Skip to content
CapRadio

CapRadio

signal status listen live donate
listen live donate signal status
listen live donate signal status
  • News
    • topics
    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Race and Equity
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
  • Music
    • genres
    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Eclectic
    • Daily Playlist
  • Programs + Podcasts
    • news
    • Morning Edition
    • All Things Considered
    • Marketplace
    • Insight With Vicki Gonzalez
    • music
    • Acid Jazz
    • At the Opera
    • Classical Music
    • Connections
    • Excellence in Jazz
    • Hey, Listen!
    • K-ZAP on CapRadio
    • Mick Martin's Blues Party
    • Programs A-Z
    • Podcast Directory
  • Schedules
    • News
    • Music
    • ClassicalStream
    • JazzStream
    • Weekly Schedule
    • Daily Playlist
  • Community
    • Events Calendar
    • CapRadio Garden
    • CapRadio Reads
    • Ticket Giveaways
  • Support
    • Evergreen Gift
    • One-Time Gift
    • Corporate Support
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Gift
    • Legacy Gift
    • Endowment Gift
    • Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • e‑Newsletter
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Close Menu
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 

Water Flows Cut at Lake Oroville

  •  Bob Moffitt 
Tuesday, September 17, 2013 | Sacramento, CA
Amy Quinton
 

Amy Quinton

The flows were at 5500 cubic-feet-per-second last week and will be one-third of that on Friday.
 
But, the reduction won't affect the salmon near the reservoir according to the Department of Water Resources.  Kevin Wright with the department says 1,000 cubic feet per second of water will continue to be sent down the fish ladder. That is more than normal.
 
"Normally we only have 600 cubic feet per second in that low flow channel where the fish breed," says Wright.  "Because of Thermalito Power Plant being out of service, we had the flows in the low flow channel up and we decided to leave them there."
 
lake oroville low rotator
 
The power plant had a fire last year. Wright says even as it conserves water, the department must release enough to keep the Feather River at a temperature conducive to successful salmon runs.
 
"We have a temperature schedule. And between September 1st to September 30th the fish hatchery water temperature requirements are 48-to-56 degrees," he says.  "Currently our temperature is just under 50 degrees."
 
There are two outlets for the lake -one through the dam and one down the fish ladder.  Flow through the dam will be 750 cubic feet per second.  Wright says the department will monitor river temperatures to ensure the water is cold enough for spawning salmon.
 
Fishermen worry the temperature farther downstream will warm to the point the salmon won't continue moving upstream to spawn.
 
The overall reduction of water released from the reservoir is in response to two consecutive years of below-average rainfall.
 
The department says there is an adequate supply of water in the lake.  Lake Oroville is the primary source for the California State Water Project.

Follow us for more stories like this

CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you.  As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.

Donate Today  

 environmentenvironmentenvironmentenvironment

Bob Moffitt

Former Sacramento Region Reporter

Bob reported on all things northern California and Nevada. His coverage of police technology, local athletes, and the environment has won a regional Associated Press and several Edward R. Murrow awards.  Read Full Bio 

Sign up for ReCap and never miss the top stories

Delivered to your inbox every Friday.

 

Check out a sample ReCap newsletter.

Thanks for subscribing!

Thank you for signing up for the ReCap newsletter! We'll send you an email each Friday with the top stories from CapRadio.

Browse all newsletters

More Stories

Councilmember Sean Loloee / Facebook

North Sacramento City Council member agrees to investigation into residency

July 1, 2022

Andrew Nixon /CapRadio

Sacramento’s homeless population spikes 67% to nearly 9,300 since 2019

June 28, 2022

CDC via AP

California coronavirus updates: July 2022

July 1, 2022

Most Viewed

Abortion is still legal in California. Here are answers to questions about access in the state.

California coronavirus updates: COVID-19 cases are increasing globally

Northern California wildfires: Where to find updates on air quality, evacuations, and official information

As states ban abortion, Californians open their arms and wallets

California coronavirus updates: July 2022

We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter

Most Viewed

Abortion is still legal in California. Here are answers to questions about access in the state.

California coronavirus updates: COVID-19 cases are increasing globally

Northern California wildfires: Where to find updates on air quality, evacuations, and official information

As states ban abortion, Californians open their arms and wallets

California coronavirus updates: July 2022

Back to Top

  • CapRadio

    7055 Folsom Boulevard
    Sacramento, CA 95826-2625

    • (916) 278-8900
    • Toll-free (877) 480-5900
    • Email Us
    • Submit a News Tip
  • Contact Us

  • About Us

    • Contact Us / Feedback
    • Coverage
    • Directions
    • Careers & Internships
    • Mission / Vision / Core Values
    • Press
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
  • Listening Options

    • Mobile App
    • On Air Schedules
    • Smart Speakers
    • Playlist
    • Podcasts
    • RSS
  • Connect With Us

    •  Facebook
    •  Twitter
    •  Instagram
    •  YouTube
  • Donate

  • Listen

  • Newsletters

CapRadio stations are licensed to California State University, Sacramento. © 2022, Capital Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Website Feedback FCC Public Files: KXJZ KKTO KUOP KQNC KXPR KXSR KXJS. For assistance accessing our public files, please call 916-278-8900 or email us.