Bay Area/ San Francisco/ Parks & Nature
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Published on June 08, 2023
Drought to Excess: California's Two Biggest Reservoirs Near Capacity, Lake Oroville Puts Rebuilt Spillway Back Into Use

California's Lake Oroville and Lake Shasta, the state's two largest reservoirs, are nearly at full capacity following recent weather events. Lake Oroville, which supplies water to over 27 million Californians, currently sits at 99%, and Lake Shasta is at 98% of its capacity. These reservoirs have experienced dramatic fluctuations over the past six years due to climate conditions. The much-needed full-capacity levels come as snowmelt increases and has required the regular use of Lake Oroville's recently renovated spillway, which was repaired in a billion-dollar emergency project following damage in 2017. Lake Shasta's spillway at Shasta Dam may be put into use soon, while other reservoirs in the state remain above average but are not as close to reaching capacity. Continue reading on SFist →

(Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)