Last developed Lake Oroville launch ramp predicted to close next week, new ramp enhanced

OROVILLE, Calif. — The water level keeps dropping at lake Oroville, leaving launch ramps high and dry. Come next week, officials say it may be even harder to get out on the water as the last developed access to the water will be forced to close.

"We don't know for sure based on the water level as it's released, but we're guessing this is probably the last weekend and we'll probably end up closing this ramp next week sometime, probably mid-week," says Aaron Wright, Public Safety Chief for the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area.

As of Friday, the lake sits at 227.52 feet, translating to 672.48 feet above sea level. Losing around a foot and a half a day, the lake needs to lose just over 5 more feet of water to close the Bidwell Canyon launch ramp, the last developed ramp open.

Some boaters are frustrated that a gravel lot near Bidwell Canyon, known as a "stage four ramp," is not being utilized as the water levels force most others to shut down.

"That is not a developed or permitted ramp so we can't use it this year," says Wright. "The Department of Water Resources, they're working on getting a permit so we can use that but at this point, we don't have one and I don't know when that's going to be approved. If it does get approved we can use it."

This may put a dent in summer plans for those hoping to enjoy the lake during the excessive heat wave California is currently experiencing. Paige Cordano and Riley Reed were almost two of those people, traveling from Tracy, California to Butte County to spend time on the water with family for the remaining time they have.

"It's definitely pretty sad that we won't be able to come here and enjoy the lake and the nice weather," says Cordano.

"Especially because this is a great place for water sports too," says Reed. "It's pretty sad we're going to be losing it."

"It kind of puts a bummer in your summer, right?" asks KRCR.

"Oh yeah, for sure," they both respond.

Fortunately for those with the same sentiments, access to the lake won't be cut off completely.

While the Spillway launch ramp is still closed, a gravel ramp has been enhanced just next to it. It will be the only access point to the lake for the foreseeable future after Bidwell Canyon closes.

But, those traveling through here will need a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) says any other kind could damage the newly grated launch, provoking more maintenance on the ramp and making it even more difficult to enjoy the lake.

"I know the Department of Water Resources have projects and plans to further lower this one at some point, Bidwell. They're also looking at Loafer Creek, the new launch ramp. That should be going down to 640," says Wright.

But those enhancements may not come until the fall. So what does that mean for boater's weekend plans?

"We're going to get lines. We're going to get busy very fast so if you want to enjoy the lake I recommend people getting here as soon as possible," says Wright. "When you get here just realize that this is the only spot really. So it's going to be packed. It's going to be busy as it has been for weeks."

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