Severe Flash Flooding Expected in Oroville, California. (Credit: NWS Sacramento, California)

DISCUSSION: As of this afternoon the California Department of Water Resources and many county emergency management agencies have issued a mandatory evacuation for Lake Oroville, and surrounding towns. The auxiliary spillway at the Oroville dam has suffered catastrophic damage, as there is a hole in the lower edge of the alternative spillway. This spillway was being used to reduce the levels of water in the lake so any additional water coming into the lake, there would be room to store that water.
 The spillway is expected to fail and result in dangerous flooding conditions. The Oroville Dam is the tallest dam in the United States.  This immediate information was provided by the California Department of Water Resources.  Local law enforcement and agencies are urging residents in Oroville to head north, while in the surrounding Yuba County residents should head South, East and West. As always don’t drive over water covered roads and turn around, don’t drown! 

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©2017 Shannon Scully