Three Lake Oroville boat launches close because of low water level

OROVILLE — The water level at Lake Oroville is lowering and the early seasonal rainfall hasn’t been enough to bring it back up.

Three of the five ramps surrounding the lake have closed because of low water levels with only Bidwell and Loafer Point still available to the public for boat launching.

According to the California Department of Water Resources, which oversees lake operations, both open ramps are expected to stay open as they run deep into the lake. Additionally, boat ramps at the Thermalito Afterbay and South Forebay are open as well.

While dozens of boats still span the water at Lime Saddle, many mariners and houseboat owners are once again finding it difficult to access their boats as well as the mainland. DWR said Lime Saddle was closed in the last week of August and the Spillway boat ramp was closed Sept. 19. Loafer Creek hasn’t been open since 2020.

Around noon on Monday, the marina and dock were deserted of people. Workers were out to lunch and people with boats out on the water were few and far between.

Jolene Moody was one of the few to park at the bottom of the launch to walk over to the dock and take the shuttle to her houseboat. Moody said she has had the houseboat for 8 years.

“It’s tough for us because we pay full price for the monthly fee but we have very limited service,” Moody said. “So for instance, I used to be able to walk onto my boat any time I wanted and now I’m limited to shuttle hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.”

Moody said she pays $350 a month to continue to use the services provided. She added that the lake levels last year were even worse.

“This year at least there’s still enough water to have fun,” Moody said. “Last year was so low that we didn’t even have access to the lake at this time.”

Moody added that while the fluctuations during the summer months, particularly low water levels in the late season, have been difficult to overcome, she still enjoys having the houseboat and all it entails.

“It’s still an incredible lifestyle so I come out when I can,” Moody said. “But it’s been really quiet. Especially once they shut the boat ramp down. There’s just not a lot of people out here.”

Lake Oroville’s elevation was 698.98 feet on Sunday, which is only 35% of the lake’s total capacity as well as 64% of the historical average. DWR is estimating that the lake will likely drop another 10 feet before winter rains bring it back some.

“Looking at records since 1984, the average low water has been approximately elevation 743,” said a statement from DWR. “When looking at the last 10 years, the average low water level has been approximately elevation 694.”

Once the water lowers more, DWR plans to continue construction on the Loafer Point Stage 2 boat ramp to as low as 640 feet.

State Parks Public Safety Chief Aaron Wright said ramps are checked throughout the season and closed once water levels are below five feet above the end of the ramp.