OROVILLE - CA00035-3097
Dam Name: OROVILLE
State: CA
Downstream Hazard Potential: H
Incident Type: Non-Failure
Incident Date: 02/07/2017
Incident Driver: Deterioration or Poor Condition
Incident Mechanism 1: Erosion
Incident Mechanism 2
Incident Mechanism 3
Incident IDCA00035-3097
Incident DescriptionService and emergency spillway failures
Named Hydrologic Event
EAP Enacted (Y/N) due to IncidentYes
Fatalities (Number)
Number of People Evacuated188000
Number of Habitable Structures EvacuatedUnknown
Number of Habitable Structures Flooded
Other Infrastructure ImpactsNone
Economic Damages (in $)Unknown
Response
Volume released at failure (ac-ft)
Additional Remarks or UpdatesLong-term systemic failure of the CA DWR, regulatory, and general industry practices to recognize and address inherent spillway design and construction weaknesses, poor bedrock quality, and deteriorated service spillway chute conditions. Reconstruction of the flood constrol spillway completed November 1, 2018. Incident Description from Independent Forensic Team Report, Oroville Dam Spillway Incident, dated January 5, 2018
Owner TypeS
Dam TypeERRE
Primary Purpose(s)CHIRS
EAPY
Dam Height770 ft
Max Storage (ac-ft)3540000.00
Surface Area (acres)15800.00
Year Completed1968
NID NumberCA00035
River NameFEATHER RIVER
Latitude39.5388
Longitude-121.485
Year Modified
Regulatory Agency(ies)DWR, SAFETY OF DAMS
Incident Time
Incident Duration2 days - Evacation order initiated February 12, 2017 and the order lifted February 14, 2017
Incident Report ProducedYes
Information Sources
