Lake Oroville [the anchor reservoir of the State Water Project] is nearing full capacity at 97%, according to the Department of Water Resources (DWR). The lake is at an elevation of 893 feet as of May 1. Releases from Lake Oroville to the Feather River have decreased from 1,700 cubic feet per second to 1,300 cubic feet per second on May 3. This accounts for reduced inflows and optimizes storage for water supply, recreation and fish and wildlife enhancement. Releases from the Feather River are assessed by DWR daily. DWR manages water releases from Oroville Dam for flood control during the winter and early spring months. … Due to dry conditions and low snowpack in the Feather River watershed, DWR has the flexibility to conserve water and encroach into the flood space.

Other dam and reservoir news:

• The Gilbert Sun News (Ariz.): Arizona’s Bartlett Dam study takes on new urgency for region