When the levee breaks....Lake Oroville dam in trouble.

[thetub]

I think they've throttle down the spillway enough so now it's not reaching the other side of the washout.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...e.html&usg=AFQjCNGFB1_SmQmnZIaRb9XVM_6g9lcZUQ

thats what I got out of this video...

looks like they throttled down on the spillway causing that to happen, but it looks like its eroded all around the broken spot of the spillway now... before it looked like one side of it...

 

[Willie B]

It's a big lake, but is open and wide. Can get pretty sloppy mid day on the main body. I thought there were more marina's, but this map only shows 2? Maybe FBT or someone else can comment?

https://www.google.com/search?clien...:-1,lf_od:-1,lf_oh:-1,lf_pqs:EAE,lf:1,lf_ui:2

... There are two marinas...there is Lime Saddle marina gas docks??? and launch ramp close to where the feather river dumps into the lake... that is in the neighborhood of the town of Paradise and there is Bidwell Marina closer to the town of Oroville and relatively close to the Lakeside market and gas station ...lime saddle has a mini convenience store...Bidwell marina has gas docks mini market launch ramp and a small restaurant...

... in addition to those two launch ramps that are concrete unless the Lake is real low... there is a 6 to 8 lane concrete launch ramp at the dam but no conveniences...

... opposite the dam towards the foothills is the Foreman Creek launch ramp definitely no conveniences which goes through Indian tribal burial grounds ...when the water is up you launch on asphalt single lane ...when the waters down your launch in the mud...this is the free launch ramp although I do not always recommend it because this is where the Buttants hang out...lol... Long story ...

...The launch ramp that I use for the most part is at Loafer Creek... which is kind of at the backside of the Bidwell marina ... no conveniences but a concrete launch and just a few miles from the Lakeside market ...Loafer Creek is also a campground not sure how many campsites there are but it does have a dump station and it also has a horse camp for you equestrian enthusiasts ... highly recommended that you fuel your boat at the Lakeside market before launching ...the cost factor of fueling on the water ...

... there are floating bathrooms placed at various locations on the lake ...

...having been there 17 years I do know the best coves... the coves of course depend on the water level of the lake..

 

[28Eliminator]

I think they've throttle down the spillway enough so now it's not reaching the other side of the washout.

That makes sense..

 

[Bigbore500r]

Off topic a bit, but with the lake on everyones mind it might be a good summer to visit. One of the cool things they offer are the floating campsites. Has a bathroom and bbq on a floating 2 story dock. Maybe get a group together and rent a couple of them in the same cove?

That's awesome!

 

[Flyinbowtie]

I have been on the floating campsites, but it was a long, long time ago. If memory serves they are concrete, have ride an anchor and are not moveable
I will defer to Willie on the marina info and the coves. The main body of the lake can get pretty windy in the afternoons, but the forks are large and more sheltered, good for watersports and just enjoying the boating. It is close to the size of Shasta. I like Shasta better, but that is just me.

Our summer is completely dependent on how Dawson does with his Leukemia. I will not go out on a trip like that without the other half of the family, but if you guys put a trip together to Oroville, or any other lake within a couple of hours of us Cindy and I would come for the day if nothing else. I would not miss a chance to meet DP and Brian and any other of you guys...
If this comes to pass please PM dates as soon as you have them; I have no life but the wife still answers to a boss and needs to lock down any time beyond the normal weekends. Also, if you are serious about this, my advice is to lock it down asap, with a deposit. Those things are pretty popular if memory serves...

Brian and any of you guys coming out of LA proper this is a long haul, could be done in one (long) day but my advice would be to give yourselves enough time for the road that you are not wiped out from the drive and can't enjoy the experience.

 

[Willie B]

... I myself have seen a couple of those cement houseboat camp deals and couldn't really figure out what their purpose was...then being concrete and not movable does make sense now but doesn't look like a whole Lotta fun if you can't move them...if my memory serves me correct they are at Bidwell but also could be at Lime Saddle???...

...Now that I think about it I could almost swear that I saw one somewhere out on the lake at the entrance to one of the coves before the 5 mile an hour bouy and at the time I couldn't figure out why there were beach towels and water toys hanging all over one of the public floatable restrooms... I could be wrong on this observation though???...

 

[wsuwrhr]

I think we are headed up that way at least once this season. I was unsuccessful in convicing many of the Socal/havasu peeps, so we will probably roll up by ourselves.

We went up to buy the Dart and back home in one long day but the beauty of driving a coach is you are bringing your bed bath and kitchen where ever you go. But yes sir, no need to get there in record time.

My cousins happen to be planning a trip to bass lake for fathersday and then Shasta the week after.

I have been on the floating campsites, but it was a long, long time ago. If memory serves they are concrete, have ride an anchor and are not moveable
I will defer to Willie on the marina info and the coves. The main body of the lake can get pretty windy in the afternoons, but the forks are large and more sheltered, good for watersports and just enjoying the boating. It is close to the size of Shasta. I like Shasta better, but that is just me.

Our summer is completely dependent on how Dawson does with his Leukemia. I will not go out on a trip like that without the other half of the family, but if you guys put a trip together to Oroville, or any other lake within a couple of hours of us Cindy and I would come for the day if nothing else. I would not miss a chance to meet DP and Brian and any other of you guys...
If this comes to pass please PM dates as soon as you have them; I have no life but the wife still answers to a boss and needs to lock down any time beyond the normal weekends. Also, if you are serious about this, my advice is to lock it down asap, with a deposit. Those things are pretty popular if memory serves...

Brian and any of you guys coming out of LA proper this is a long haul, could be done in one (long) day but my advice would be to give yourselves enough time for the road that you are not wiped out from the drive and can't enjoy the experience.

 

[Yellowboat]

bass lake is a great place to relax. there are some nice places to eat in Oakhurst too. pops is great for breakfast, been there for ever. katies is good too.

 

[RogerThat99]

I think we are headed up that way at least once this season. I was unsuccessful in convicing many of the Socal/havasu peeps, so we will probably roll up by ourselves.We went up to buy the Dart and back home in one long day but the beauty of driving a coach is you are bringing your bed bath and kitchen where ever you go. But yes sir, no need to get there in record time. My cousins happen to be planning a trip to bass lake for fathersday and then Shasta the week after.

Let me know if you come up to Oroville. I might be able to meet you there.

 

[Willie B]

... yes indeed there are coves...this is looking in the direction if you were headed back out to open water...

 

[RitcheyRch]

Not sure if this is related to Oroville Dam but read this on Facebook.

To everyone who lives around River Pointe. Time right now is 11:34am. Crews are coming to turn off the power within one to two hours. Power will be off for at least 24 hours, most likely 48 to 72. Opening emergency flood gates at Don Pedro dam. Part of the lower part of this neighborhood will flood as a result. Power needs to go off..

 

[Ziggy]

Not sure if this is related to Oroville Dam but read this on Facebook.

To everyone who lives around River Pointe. Time right now is 11:34am. Crews are coming to turn off the power within one to two hours. Power will be off for at least 24 hours, most likely 48 to 72. Opening emergency flood gates at Don Pedro dam. Part of the lower part of this neighborhood will flood as a result. Power needs to go off..

I googled a few news reports, sounds like they'll open the spillway gates sometime today to make room, lake is at 98% capacity. It blows my mind how dumb the reporters still are, not knowing the difference between the spillway and emergency spillway. Dumb weather chicks.:grumble:

 

[707dog]

Not sure if this is related to Oroville Dam but read this on Facebook.

To everyone who lives around River Pointe. Time right now is 11:34am. Crews are coming to turn off the power within one to two hours. Power will be off for at least 24 hours, most likely 48 to 72. Opening emergency flood gates at Don Pedro dam. Part of the lower part of this neighborhood will flood as a result. Power needs to go off..

i seen this morning on the news that pedro was only 4 feet down and they were gonna have to open up the gates iv seen them open before not sure what kind of issues they get down tuolumne river but it does flow to the upper san joaquin river all the way to stockton a lot of towns along the way plus houses on the river.

* i did read a article about 5 workers getting canned for taking pics of oroville work and posting them on social media, other than that no much news has been in the lime light the past few days

 

[Ziggy]

* i did read a article about 5 workers getting canned for taking pics of oroville work and posting them on social media, other than that no much news has been in the lime light the past few days

Maybe trying to be more covert and keep EPA off their backs for none compliant construction [emoji23]

Actually, probably not much to report since the level has been lowered enough. If anything, its the work being done down in river to clear it out.

 

[Ziggy]

Just found this report dated today.
[video=youtube_https;Z0Ij7cD2C8Y]https://youtu.be/Z0Ij7cD2C8Y[/video]

 

[TX Foilhead]

There's some good info in there, that guy isn't sure where.

There are backup generators for the backup. 2nd line of defense is hard wired and bolted in place, those have a portable backup. There will never be a lack of power to operate the flood gates.

The more important thing is the power plant, that makes money, the rest costs money, they want that running as soon as they can get it done. This too should have lots of redundant power supplies so the big thing will be to hang power line and dig out enough to restart the generators. I'm going to go with they remove some concrete and and enough boulders and the water do the rest, once the power line is connected they'll want the plant running ASAP.

 

[Flyinbowtie]

Right now the need for hydro power is pretty low. What they want is the ability to move water through the penstocks and out of the reservoir. They will do what they have to do grid wise to shift the load so that the Oroville Hydro can run once they have the diversion pool mucked out. The 13-15k CFS they can run through there could easily be the difference between using the emergency spillway down the road, or not.
I can't imagine being in a dry suit fumbling around in that muddy mess, in that diversion pool, but there are men doing it.

The winter has really been something, but from what I am hearing things are going to get worse downstream in the valley. The flood control system is about maxed out, and the ability to hold back water is going to shrink to near zero as these storms bring the inflows up. I see the next few weeks having a serious potential for levee failures, and those can be catastrophic. Don Pedro is about 100 miles south of here, and it is indeed topping out.
The only one I know of with a lot of storage left is New Melones, also south of here.
It has been raining hard here almost since sunrise. Wind blowing like crazy. I am rather surprised the power hasn't gone out due to trees going down across the lines.
Our generators are all serviced and ready, that is probably why no failures, LOL.

This deal is far from over.

 

[lake p.a.l.]

FBT, thank you very much for all of your updates. It poured all night in Benicia. I was driving around in the Delta yesterday for work and there are some very concerned people about this storm. Like you said, downriver from Oroville thru Sac and most of the Delta is at or very close to capacity.

 

[DILLIGAF]

My brother called me last night and told me a levee nearby has failed. Sorry I can't remember the name of the town. Hope everybody is safe.

 

[Willie B]

... A view of the back side of Oroville Dam on the left and the emergency spillway on the right ...

 

[DILLIGAF]

My brother called me last night and told me a levee nearby has failed. Sorry I can't remember the name of the town. Hope everybody is safe.

Anybody up in the Sacto area know which levee failed?

 

[Waterjunky]

There are several breaks out near Wilton. I am worried that this is just the beginning. The next day or two is going to get rough.......

 

[28Eliminator]

Anybody up in the Sacto area know which levee failed?

It was on KCRA last night. San Juaquin river near Manteca, they evacuated some people, but I guess got it fixed.

 

[Old Texan]

... A view of the back side of Oroville Dam on the left and the emergency spillway on the right ...

View attachment 540828

Have wakeboats been ordered to shore to protect the emergency spillway yet? :yikes

Happy to see things under control after last week's scare.:thumbsup

 

[Flying_Lavey]

They are predicting another large storm Sunday into Monday. Within the next couple days well see how much water is expected to deliver but, it appears to be huge in size.

 

[Flyinbowtie]

This is some kinda winter. I don't remember anything like it, and talking to some folks in their 70's this morning, who've lived up on the hill here all their lives...well, they've seen some big snow events but never this much rain in one season. Never.

All you folks in the Delta, this is far from over looking at the long range weather stuff. Looking at the CDEC numbers for the reservoirs in the north state it is clear they are focused on retaining some level of flood control, but this is a tightrope to walk...and we still haven't even looked at the snow melt deal.
Keep yer stuff ready, and be ready to leave if it comes to that.

 

[RCDave]

This season might eclipse the winters of:

1969
1983
2011

I remember 1983 best. I remember arm pit deep powder at local ski resorts.

It's California. Just as fast as natures hose is on, it can turn off too.

However, I don't think the high sierra snow-pack has been this deep at any one point in time since the mid 1800's

 

[Deja_Vu]

This season might eclipse the winters of:

1969
1983
2011

I remember 1983 best. I remember arm pit deep powder at local ski resorts.

It's California. Just as fast as natures hose is on, it can turn off too.

However, I don't think the high sierra snow-pack has been this deep at any one point in time since the mid 1800's

You forgot 1993. It was pretty wet.
Our Temecula old town area was flooded by the local creek.

 

[RCDave]

That was a doozy too. But just a shade under the others listed.

Just part of the earth's longer term natural climate cycles.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

That was a doozy too. But just a shade under the others listed.

Just part of the earth's longer term natural climate cycles.

Careful, Grandpa would argue otherwise and point out how ignorant you are....lol

 

[500bbc]

April 1880


In the Sierra Nevada snow accumulations were off the charts. An amazing 194" (over 16 feet!) of snow fell at the railway depot Norden on April 20-23 at an elevation of about 7500?. If this figure was true, it would constitute the greatest single-storm snowfall on record for the contiguous U.S. The snow was so heavy it collapsed snow sheds over the railway near Summit (Donner Pass area). Summit depot itself recorded 298? (almost 25 feet) of snow during the month of April 1880, Emigrant Gap totaled 201?, and Truckee 124?. It is not clear how much of these totals were generated during the storm itself but it is likely a majority of the monthly snow totals were derived from the April 19-23 event. There were reports of Sierra streams disappearing as snow slides filled streambeds at higher elevations.



People don't understand "average" our normal weather pattern is "drought" followed by deluge.


Spring is going to be a tough one.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

People don't understand "average" our normal weather pattern is "drought" followed by deluge.


Spring is going to be a tough one.

That reminds me of a story my Dad's late business partner used to tell. He went to a sales pitch seminar in California City where they were trying to sell houses in their new housing tracts (where everybody rides now). He said the guy was going on and on about how beautiful it is and how the average yearly daytime high was 72 degrees. At which point Dave (my dad's business partner) stood up and said "Sure...... it's 120 in the summer and 24 in the winter!" and then promptly left.

Point is, the averages they use are weighted averages. Throw out the top and bottom 5 season totals and then average them out and be completely shocked and surprised when another event like those thrown out happens.

 

[RCDave]

This is why California has all these man made lakes! And we need many more.

 

[Old Texan]

Nature is in complete control and man is a fool to think he can control any natural event beyond getting out of the way.

 

[Ziggy]

Nature is in complete control and man is a fool to think he can control any natural event beyond getting out of the way.

Exactly.

 

[Rexone]

San Jose flooding as of yesterday due to overtopping spillway at Anderson Res after heavy rains all day. This might be over at Oroville hopefully but I have a feeling it ain't over for Norcal in general. Especially if we get a hot spell and a rapid early thaw in the high country.

 

[Havasteve]

I wonder what will happen when the rainy season hits:eek

 

[machinist68]

Thanks for all the pics, reports & fun facts! :kewl

 

[Yellowboat]

its bright and sunny here, I hope it is down there too. been really worried about lots of people. I have a friend that I know was evaced that I have not been able to get a hold of since he and his wife got evaced. I hope its just them being super busy and not able to return a call.

 

[Willie B]

Have wakeboats been ordered to shore to protect the emergency spillway yet? :yikes

:thumbsup

...yes but the main prerequisite is they have to have eight speakers on the rollbar and each boat must be playing different music mostly hip-hop and gangsta rap... The name of this method is Snoop Dogg saves the day again ...

 

[wsuwrhr]

This season might eclipse the winters of:

1969
1983
2011

I remember 1983 best. I remember arm pit deep powder at local ski resorts.

It's California. Just as fast as natures hose is on, it can turn off too.

However, I don't think the high sierra snow-pack has been this deep at any one point in time since the mid 1800's

1998 was the best that I can recall. eclipsed 2011.

 

[Old Texan]

San Jose flooding as of yesterday due to overtopping spillway at Anderson Res after heavy rains all day. This might be over at Oroville hopefully but I have a feeling it ain't over for Norcal in general. Especially if we get a hot spell and a rapid early thaw in the high country.

It's gonna be a very rough spring for many folks with all the runoff coming. Lots of homes that should not have been in low lying areas just like the rest of the nation when theses deals happen.

Best hopes for all and hope they prepare for the worse.

 

[Flyinbowtie]

If anything good can come from this ordeal it would be twofold..

The public demands that the government begin focusing on infrastructure, first repair, then maintenance, then look at what is needed
The public wakes up a bit and learns the ABC's of basic preparedness.

People have a history of not paying attention...they live in very, very small worlds.
I have lots of stories, but I will just share one frm the past, and one from this event.
In 1997 we had a major freeze after a big rain. After 3-4 major T/C's on a 4 mile long stretch of highway the CHP decided to close it down. They asked our assistance in manning the closure. We set up a flare pattern, directing traffic off the highway. We parked marked units broadside across the road, overheads on, forcing drivers to the exit ramp.
I had 3 deputies there. One single and a doubled unit. The doubled unit was a training car, FTO and a brand new deputy, his first week of work.
I stopped by after about an hour to see how things were going.
As expected.
New guy was amazed.
"Sarge, these people, they see us, see the flare pattern, see the units blocking the road, and about every third one, you know what they do?"
"Yes, they stop and is you if the road is closed"
"That is right! then they ask why, and I tell them to please move along and quit blocking the road...and then you know what they say?"
"They ask you how they are going to get where they are going"
"YES! They don't know any other way to get home. They tell me they live down the hill. they are locals Sarge!, and they have no clue there are what, 3-4 other roads to bypass this!"
"I know. People are almost helpless when you take them out of their comfort zone"

He was incredulous. It was a great training event for him.

People need to wise up...learn a little bit about their neighborhood, and the area they live in. Think about the bad things they could face, and do something to prepare for facing them.


I will add this. Sad commentary on how far we have fallen as a culture.
If you are forced to evacuate your home, have some respect for the community and business that takes you in, in whatever community you take shelter in.

During the recent Evacuation people stopped at a local gas station mini mart on the route into our community.
Most were good folks, but more than a few were not.
They announced that they were, "Refugees" and demanded free gas, free food, and free services.
The folks working tried to be nice and gave a few folks some gas, and a sandwich or two...until they discovered how they were being "repaid".
They were repaid by having their rest rooms so destroyed they had to bring in a professional cleaning crew and plumber to restore the facilities to operation, and to clean them up so as to be usable.
Since the restrooms were closed for a day or two after, well, the local people didn't take too long to put two and two together.
There are more than a few residents and at least one business around here that are not happy with the some of the people who came up from through Marysville via highway 20 to this area, from the evacuation zones, and won't forget how they were treated after opening their doors to folks. They know that 95% of people were very appreciative, but it only takes a few to leave a bad memory...
And they certainly did that.

 

[buck35]

Sir you are a sage man , and if my wife ever talks me into driving down to sac to visit her ex sil , I'd be a lucky man to be able to buy you a cold one and chat with you .

 

[LuckyDaze]

It's gonna be a very rough spring for many folks with all the runoff coming. Lots of homes that should not have been in low lying areas just like the rest of the nation when theses deals happen.

Best hopes for all and hope they prepare for the worse.

My grandfather bestowed onto me one word of advise when buying a house. He said, buy a house in a hill, not in a valley. So far I am thankful for taking that advise to heart.

 

[LHC Kirby]

I was a FF on a traffic accident, Irvine cops had road shutdown... When this hai pulls up and says she has no other way home... The cop says... What Street? He then proceeds to give her easy directions... Go right, 2nd left.... Your next right will be your Street... She says thanks and drives away... I told him I was impressed with his directions..... He said... I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE I SENT HER.... BUT SHE'S GONE.... that's some funny stuff.

 

[Willie B]

...after viewing the video I'm not too sure how they came up with the title to it but it does give an overview of some of the flooded and surrounding areas???..

...not sure when rice growing season is in Northern California but a good guess would be that those of you who buy Lundburg Rice might have to switch to a brand that is not grown in the Northern California flooded areas???...

[video=youtube_https;ITXq0Sxbur4]https://youtu.be/ITXq0Sxbur4[/video]

 

[500bbc]

If anything good can come from this ordeal it would be twofold..

The public demands that the government begin focusing on infrastructure, first repair, then maintenance, then look at what is needed
The public wakes up a bit and learns the ABC's of basic preparedness.

People have a history of not paying attention...they live in very, very small worlds.
I have lots of stories, but I will just share one frm the past, and one from this event.
In 1997 we had a major freeze after a big rain. After 3-4 major T/C's on a 4 mile long stretch of highway the CHP decided to close it down. They asked our assistance in manning the closure. We set up a flare pattern, directing traffic off the highway. We parked marked units broadside across the road, overheads on, forcing drivers to the exit ramp.
I had 3 deputies there. One single and a doubled unit. The doubled unit was a training car, FTO and a brand new deputy, his first week of work.
I stopped by after about an hour to see how things were going.
As expected.
New guy was amazed.
"Sarge, these people, they see us, see the flare pattern, see the units blocking the road, and about every third one, you know what they do?"
"Yes, they stop and is you if the road is closed"
"That is right! then they ask why, and I tell them to please move along and quit blocking the road...and then you know what they say?"
"They ask you how they are going to get where they are going"
"YES! They don't know any other way to get home. They tell me they live down the hill. they are locals Sarge!, and they have no clue there are what, 3-4 other roads to bypass this!"
"I know. People are almost helpless when you take them out of their comfort zone"

He was incredulous. It was a great training event for him.

People need to wise up...learn a little bit about their neighborhood, and the area they live in. Think about the bad things they could face, and do something to prepare for facing them.


I will add this. Sad commentary on how far we have fallen as a culture.
If you are forced to evacuate your home, have some respect for the community and business that takes you in, in whatever community you take shelter in.

During the recent Evacuation people stopped at a local gas station mini mart on the route into our community.
Most were good folks, but more than a few were not.
They announced that they were, "Refugees" and demanded free gas, free food, and free services.
The folks working tried to be nice and gave a few folks some gas, and a sandwich or two...until they discovered how they were being "repaid".
They were repaid by having their rest rooms so destroyed they had to bring in a professional cleaning crew and plumber to restore the facilities to operation, and to clean them up so as to be usable.
Since the restrooms were closed for a day or two after, well, the local people didn't take too long to put two and two together.
There are more than a few residents and at least one business around here that are not happy with the some of the people who came up from through Marysville via highway 20 to this area, from the evacuation zones, and won't forget how they were treated after opening their doors to folks. They know that 95% of people were very appreciative, but it only takes a few to leave a bad memory...
And they certainly did that.

I truly have no idea how you and your fellow LEOS deal/dealt with not only the scum of the earth but the basic imbeciles that can barely muddle through their daily existence.

Thank you!

 

[boat527]

Quite the hole..

Lots of work to be done...

 

[DILLIGAF]

WOW....that's crazy. Shows the power of water as it will find its own level