-
-
-
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-5',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 5',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
-
-
-
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-10',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 10',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
-
-
-
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-15',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 15',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
-
-
-
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-20',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 20',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
-
-
-
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-25',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 25',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
-
-
-
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-30',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 30',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
-
-
-
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-35',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 35',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
-
-
-
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-40',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 40',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
-
-
-
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-45',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 45',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
-
-
-
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-50',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 50',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
-
-
-
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-55',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 55',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
-
-
-
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-60',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 60',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
-
-
-
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-65',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 65',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
-
-
-
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-70',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 70',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
-
-
-
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-75',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 75',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
-
-
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-79',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 79',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle
The city of Oroville has sued the state’s Department of Water Resources, alleging decades of mismanagement were to blame for the Oroville Dam’s near failure in February 2017.
The city of Oroville has sued the state’s Department of Water Resources, alleging decades of mismanagement were to blame for the Oroville Dam’s near failure in February 2017.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle
The Oroville Dam spillway releases 100,000 cubic feet of water per second down the main spillway in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Sacramento, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area.
lessThe Oroville Dam spillway releases 100,000 cubic feet of water per second down the main spillway in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern
... more
Helicopters continue to stabilize the emergency spillway next to the main Oroville Dam spillway as water is released on Tuesday Feb. 14, 2017, in Oroville, Ca.
Helicopters continue to stabilize the emergency spillway next to the main Oroville Dam spillway as water is released on Tuesday Feb. 14, 2017, in Oroville, Ca.
Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle
A helicopter carries a bag of rocks to dump on the erosion-damaged soil below the emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam on February 13, 2017 in Oroville, California. Almost 200,000 people were ordered to evacuate the northern California town after a hole in the emergency spillway in the Oroville Dam threatened to flood the surrounding area.
lessA helicopter carries a bag of rocks to dump on the erosion-damaged soil below the emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam on February 13, 2017 in Oroville, California. Almost 200,000 people were ordered to
... more
Truck after truck line the Oroville Dam roadway as the effort to stabilize the emergency spillway continues on Tuesday Feb. 14, 2017, in Oroville, Ca.
Truck after truck line the Oroville Dam roadway as the effort to stabilize the emergency spillway continues on Tuesday Feb. 14, 2017, in Oroville, Ca.
Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle
A helicopter picks up a sand bag against a sea of sand bags, as efforts to stabilize the emergency spillway continues next to the Oroville Dam on Tuesday Feb. 14, 2017, in Oroville, Ca.
A helicopter picks up a sand bag against a sea of sand bags, as efforts to stabilize the emergency spillway continues next to the Oroville Dam on Tuesday Feb. 14, 2017, in Oroville, Ca.
Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle
Riverbend Park is seen under flood water in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles north of Sacramento, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area.
lessRiverbend Park is seen under flood water in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at
... more
Flood waters inundate a cemetery in Marysville in Marysville, Calif., on Feb. 13, 2017.
Flood waters inundate a cemetery in Marysville in Marysville, Calif., on Feb. 13, 2017.
Riverbend Park is seen under flood water in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of San Francisco, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. / AFP PHOTO / Josh EdelsonJOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images
lessRiverbend Park is seen under flood water in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at
... more
A bathroom building is seen partially submerged in flowing water at Riverbend Park in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of San Francisco, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area.
lessA bathroom building is seen partially submerged in flowing water at Riverbend Park in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday
... more
A playground is seen submerged in flowing water at Riverbend Park as the Oroville Dam releases water down the spillway in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of San Francisco, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. / AFP PHOTO / Josh EdelsonJOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images
lessA playground is seen submerged in flowing water at Riverbend Park as the Oroville Dam releases water down the spillway in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation
... more
This aerial view shows submerged trucks and farm equipment in flowing water in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of San Francisco, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. / AFP PHOTO / Josh EdelsonJOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images
lessThis aerial view shows submerged trucks and farm equipment in flowing water in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a
... more
A home is seen marooned as the surrounding property is submerged in flood water in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of San Francisco, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area.
lessA home is seen marooned as the surrounding property is submerged in flood water in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday
... more
Workers move boulders to aid and repair the emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night, after an emergency spillway next to the reservoirs dam appeared in danger of collapse.
lessWorkers move boulders to aid and repair the emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday
... more
Evacuee Shirley Baker, of Oroville, Calif., consoles her great-granddaughter Rylee Rhodes at the evacuation center at Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on Monday. MUST CREDIT: Photo for The Washington Post by Stephen Lam
lessEvacuee Shirley Baker, of Oroville, Calif., consoles her great-granddaughter Rylee Rhodes at the evacuation center at Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on Monday. MUST CREDIT: Photo for The Washington
... more
Sonya Warrick, of Oroville, Calif., rests at a shelter for evacuees from cities surrounding the Oroville Dam, Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, in Chico, Calif. The thousands of people who were ordered to leave their homes after a damaged California spillway threatened to unleash a 30-foot wall of water may not be able to return until significant erosion is repaired, authorities said Monday. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
lessSonya Warrick, of Oroville, Calif., rests at a shelter for evacuees from cities surrounding the Oroville Dam, Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, in Chico, Calif. The thousands of people who were ordered to leave their
... more
Jace Duran, 4, of Oroville, Calif., at left, waits in line for a meal at a shelter for evacuees from cities surrounding the Oroville Dam, Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, in Chico, Calif. The thousands of people who were ordered to leave their homes after a damaged California spillway threatened to unleash a 30-foot wall of water may not be able to return until significant erosion is repaired, authorities said Monday. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
lessJace Duran, 4, of Oroville, Calif., at left, waits in line for a meal at a shelter for evacuees from cities surrounding the Oroville Dam, Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, in Chico, Calif. The thousands of people who were
... more
Helicopters cary huge bags full of rock to stabilize the emergency spillway next to the Oroville Dam on Monday Feb. 13, 2017, in Oroville, Ca.
Helicopters cary huge bags full of rock to stabilize the emergency spillway next to the Oroville Dam on Monday Feb. 13, 2017, in Oroville, Ca.
Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle
Police officers confer as the Oroville Dam releases water down a spillway as an emergency measure in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of San Francisco, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area.
lessPolice officers confer as the Oroville Dam releases water down a spillway as an emergency measure in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern
... more
A farm is seen partially submerged in flood water near Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of San Francisco, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area.
lessA farm is seen partially submerged in flood water near Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic
... more
A swing is seen partially submerged in flowing water at Riverbend Park in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of San Francisco, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area.
lessA swing is seen partially submerged in flowing water at Riverbend Park in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a
... more
Water rushes at the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of San Francisco, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area.
lessWater rushes at the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic
... more
Workers move boulders to aid and repair the emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night, after an emergency spillway next to the reservoirs dam appeared in danger of collapse.
lessWorkers move boulders to aid and repair the emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday
... more
Officials investigate the emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam for damage on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night, after an emergency spillway next to the reservoirs dam appeared in danger of collapse.
lessOfficials investigate the emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam for damage on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night,
... more
In this handout provided by the California Department of Water Resources (pixel.water.ca.gov), the Lake Oroville spillway flows late Thursday afternoon as 35,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water was released over the damaged spillway February 9, 2017 in Oroville, California. Almost 200,000 people were ordered to evacuate the northern California town after a hole in an emergency spillway in the Oroville Dam threatened to flood the surrounding area. (Photo by Kelly M. Grow/ California Department of Water Resources via Getty Images)
lessIn this handout provided by the California Department of Water Resources (pixel.water.ca.gov), the Lake Oroville spillway flows late Thursday afternoon as 35,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water was
... more
Crews continue to pile tons of rock at a staging area above the Oroville Dam on Monday Feb. 13, 2017, in Oroville, Ca. The rock will be used to stabilize the earth below the emergency spillmay.
Crews continue to pile tons of rock at a staging area above the Oroville Dam on Monday Feb. 13, 2017, in Oroville, Ca. The rock will be used to stabilize the earth below the emergency spillmay.
Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle
The Oroville Dam on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night, after an emergency spillway next to the reservoirs dam appeared in danger of collapse.
lessThe Oroville Dam on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night, after an emergency spillway next to the reservoirs dam
... more
The Oroville Dam on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night, after an emergency spillway next to the reservoirs dam appeared in danger of collapse.
lessThe Oroville Dam on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night, after an emergency spillway next to the reservoirs dam
... more
Officials walk past the Oroville Dam after investigating it for damage on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night, after an emergency spillway next to the reservoirs dam appeared in danger of collapse.
lessOfficials walk past the Oroville Dam after investigating it for damage on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night,
... more
Crews begin to pile tons of rock at a staging area above the Oroville Dam on Monday Feb. 13, 2017, in Oroville, Calif. The rock will be used to stabilize the earth below the emergency spillmay.
Crews begin to pile tons of rock at a staging area above the Oroville Dam on Monday Feb. 13, 2017, in Oroville, Calif. The rock will be used to stabilize the earth below the emergency spillmay.
Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle
The water level continues to drop behind the Oroville Dam as seen on Monday Feb. 13, 2017, in Oroville, Calif.
The water level continues to drop behind the Oroville Dam as seen on Monday Feb. 13, 2017, in Oroville, Calif.
Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle
In this nighttime photo using a long exposure, the main spillway of Oroville Dam shows the increased release flow of 100,000 cubic feet per second of water in an attempt to lower the level of the lake after area residents were evacuated following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in Oroville, Calif., on Monday, February 13, 2017. The California Department of Water Resources increased the release from the main spillway to 100,000 cubic feet per second to lower the level of the lake and prevent further damage to the auxiliary spillway.
lessIn this nighttime photo using a long exposure, the main spillway of Oroville Dam shows the increased release flow of 100,000 cubic feet per second of water in an attempt to lower the level of the lake after
... more
In this nighttime photo using a long exposure, the main spillway of Oroville Dam shows the increased release flow of 100,000 cubic feet per second of water in an attempt to lower the level of the lake after area residents were evacuated following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in Oroville, Calif., on Monday, February 13, 2017. The California Department of Water Resources increased the release from the main spillway to 100,000 cubic feet per second to lower the level of the lake and prevent further damage to the auxiliary spillway.
lessIn this nighttime photo using a long exposure, the main spillway of Oroville Dam shows the increased release flow of 100,000 cubic feet per second of water in an attempt to lower the level of the lake after
... more
Oroville resident Georgia Villaflor checks news updates on her laptop with her dog Precious in her car outside the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, California on February 12, 2017. Pets aren't allowed in the evacuation center, so many pet owners stayed in their cars in the parking lot.
lessOroville resident Georgia Villaflor checks news updates on her laptop with her dog Precious in her car outside the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, California on February 12, 2017.
... more
James Fontes picks up his friend John Bost's dog, Loki, as thousands of residents evacuated the city following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in Oroville, Calif., on Sunday, February 12, 2017. The California Department of Water Resources increased the release from the main spillway to 100,000 cubic feet per second to lower the level of the lake and prevent further damage to the auxiliary spillway.
lessJames Fontes picks up his friend John Bost's dog, Loki, as thousands of residents evacuated the city following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in Oroville,
... more
Vehicles line up on Highway 162 as thousands of residents evacuated the city following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in Oroville, Calif., on Sunday, February 12, 2017. The California Department of Water Resources increased the release from the main spillway to 100,000 cubic feet per second to lower the level of the lake and prevent further damage to the auxiliary spillway.
lessVehicles line up on Highway 162 as thousands of residents evacuated the city following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in Oroville, Calif., on Sunday,
... more
The McCaskill family of Oroville waits for more pizza to arrive outside the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on February 12, 2017.
The McCaskill family of Oroville waits for more pizza to arrive outside the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on February 12, 2017.
Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle
Oroville families set up camp outside the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on February 12, 2017.
Oroville families set up camp outside the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on February 12, 2017.
Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle
From left, Oroville residents Georgia Robert King, Jerry Lee Huggins and Anna Gibson sleep outside the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on February 12, 2017. Pets aren't allowed in the evacuation center, so many pet owners stayed in their cars in the parking lot.
lessFrom left, Oroville residents Georgia Robert King, Jerry Lee Huggins and Anna Gibson sleep outside the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on February 12, 2017. Pets aren't
... more
Jacquelyne Elgen, right, checks on her sleeping son Billy Elgen, 5, in the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on February 12, 2017.
Jacquelyne Elgen, right, checks on her sleeping son Billy Elgen, 5, in the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on February 12, 2017.
Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle
Oroville residents try to listen in to a press conference after over 100,00 area residents were evacuated following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in Oroville, Calif., on Sunday, February 12, 2017. The California Department of Water Resources increased the release from the main spillway to 100,000 cubic feet per second to lower the level of the lake and prevent further damage to the auxiliary spillway.
lessOroville residents try to listen in to a press conference after over 100,00 area residents were evacuated following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in
... more
Mike Smith, a public imformation officer with CalFire, fills in residents at the Lake Oroville Visitors Center with details of Oroville dam after thousands of residents evacuated the city following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in Oroville, Calif., on Sunday, February 12, 2017. The California Department of Water Resources increased the release from the main spillway to 100,000 cubic feet per second to lower the level of the lake and prevent further damage to the auxiliary spillway.
lessMike Smith, a public imformation officer with CalFire, fills in residents at the Lake Oroville Visitors Center with details of Oroville dam after thousands of residents evacuated the city following fears that
... more
Brayden Fontaine-Ross, 3, of Oroville, plays in his parents car outside the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif.,on February 12, 2017.
Brayden Fontaine-Ross, 3, of Oroville, plays in his parents car outside the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif.,on February 12, 2017.
Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle
Gridley resident Shari Mota, right, tries to get her children to go to sleep in the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on Feb. 12, 2017.
Gridley resident Shari Mota, right, tries to get her children to go to sleep in the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on Feb. 12, 2017.
Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle
The emergency spillway at the Oroville Dam is seen on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017.
The emergency spillway at the Oroville Dam is seen on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017.
In this Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, water flows down Oroville Dam's main spillway, near Oroville, Calif.
In this Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, water flows down Oroville Dam's main spillway, near Oroville, Calif.
Photo: Rich Pedroncelli, Associated Press
The California Department of Water Resources has suspended flows from the Oroville Dam spillway after a concrete section eroded on the middle section of the spillway. There is no anticipated threat to the dam or the public. DWR engineers are assessing the options to repair the spillway and control the reservoir water level. The Butte County facility is the tallest dam in the United States at 770 feet and is a key part of the State Water Project. Photo taken February 7, 2017. Kelly M. Grow/ California Department of Water Resources
lessThe California Department of Water Resources has suspended flows from the Oroville Dam spillway after a concrete section eroded on the middle section of the spillway. There is no anticipated threat to the dam
... more
The Oroville Dam spillway is seen in a photo taken Feb. 7, 2017.
The Oroville Dam spillway is seen in a photo taken Feb. 7, 2017.
Photo: Kelly M. Grow, California Department Of Water Resources
The Oroville Dam spillway is seen in a photo taken Feb. 7, 2017.
The Oroville Dam spillway is seen in a photo taken Feb. 7, 2017.
Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle
An excavator moves dirt and rocks to level off an area along the banks of the Feather River to creat a road for other heave equipment that will be used to clear debris from the river as thousands of gallons of water rush over the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam in Oroville, Calif., on Sunday, February 12, 2017. The California Department of Water Resources is now working to remove debris from the river so water flow down the Feather River doesn't impede the hydroelectric generation at the dam.
lessAn excavator moves dirt and rocks to level off an area along the banks of the Feather River to creat a road for other heave equipment that will be used to clear debris from the river as thousands of gallons of
... more
Workers with the California Department of Water Resources plan out the location of a road along the Feather River's edge to bring down heavy equipment to remove debris as thousands of gallons of water rush over the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam in Oroville, Calif., on Sunday, February 12, 2017.
lessWorkers with the California Department of Water Resources plan out the location of a road along the Feather River's edge to bring down heavy equipment to remove debris as thousands of gallons of water rush over
... more
James Fontes hands his friend John Bost, left, his dog, Loki, as thousands of residents evacuated the city following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in Oroville, Calif., on Sunday, February 12, 2017.
lessJames Fontes hands his friend John Bost, left, his dog, Loki, as thousands of residents evacuated the city following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in
... more
In this Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, photo, water flows down Oroville Dam's main spillway, in Oroville, Calif. Officials have ordered residents near the Oroville Dam in Northern California to evacuate the area Sunday, Feb. 12, saying a "hazardous situation is developing" after an emergency spillway severely eroded.
lessIn this Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, photo, water flows down Oroville Dam's main spillway, in Oroville, Calif. Officials have ordered residents near the Oroville Dam in Northern California to evacuate the area
... more
The Oroville Dam spillway is seen in a photo taken Feb. 9, 2017.
The Oroville Dam spillway is seen in a photo taken Feb. 9, 2017.
As stormwater poured into the rising Lake Oroville Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, the state continued to cautiously continue released down the reservoirs damaged spillway.
As stormwater poured into the rising Lake Oroville Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, the state continued to cautiously continue released down the reservoirs damaged spillway.
The Oroville Dam spillway is seen in a photo taken Feb. 7, 2017.
The Oroville Dam spillway is seen in a photo taken Feb. 7, 2017.
Photo: Kelly M. Grow, California Department Of Water Resources
Water rushes down the Oroville Dam spillway, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, in Oroville, Calif.
Water rushes down the Oroville Dam spillway, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, in Oroville, Calif.
Photo: Rich Pedroncelli, Associated Press
An eroded section of the lateral main spillway as thousands of gallons of water rush over the main and auxiliary spillways at Oroville Dam in Oroville, Calif., on Sunday, February 12, 2017.
An eroded section of the lateral main spillway as thousands of gallons of water rush over the main and auxiliary spillways at Oroville Dam in Oroville, Calif., on Sunday, February 12, 2017.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle
Water from the nearby Feather River floods the Marysville Cemetery Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, in Marysville, Calif. Days of rain has caused rivers to overflow their banks and forced the first use of the emergency spillway at Oroville Dam.
lessWater from the nearby Feather River floods the Marysville Cemetery Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, in Marysville, Calif. Days of rain has caused rivers to overflow their banks and forced the first use of the emergency
... more
(l to r top) Cody Leonard, Omar Jimenez and Anthony Lombardi along with Larissa Vanderlinde transport nets full of young Chinook Salmon out of the muddy waters at the Oroville Hatchery on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017., in Oroville, Calif.
less(l to r top) Cody Leonard, Omar Jimenez and Anthony Lombardi along with Larissa Vanderlinde transport nets full of young Chinook Salmon out of the muddy waters at the Oroville Hatchery on Friday, Feb. 10,
... more
Water is released over the Lake Oroville spillway on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017., in Oroville, Calif.
Water is released over the Lake Oroville spillway on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017., in Oroville, Calif.
Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle
A couple of onlookers watch as water is released over the Lake Oroville spillway ionto the Feather Riiver on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017., in Oroville, Calif.
A couple of onlookers watch as water is released over the Lake Oroville spillway ionto the Feather Riiver on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017., in Oroville, Calif.
Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle
Oroville sues state water department for dam’s near failure
The city of Oroville has sued the state’s Department of Water Resources, alleging that decades of mismanagement were to blame for the Oroville Dam’s near-failure in February 2017 and the emergency evacuation of 188,000 people.
The suit, filed Wednesday in Butte County Superior Court, calls on the DWR to cover millions of dollars in economic and infrastructure losses incurred by the dam’s issues.
“The alleged failure of the Oroville Dam represents millions of dollars lost to our California economy and, along with the fires that have devastated California, combine to make our rural areas very difficult to live and work in,” said David Janes, one of the attorneys representing the city.
Raging storms in early 2017 caused a crisis at the nation’s tallest dam, which controls water delivered to 25 million people across California. It was built in 1968 and is 770 feet high and almost 7,000 feet long. The heavy rains last year led dam operators to release flows down the Feather River, but concerns arose when a crater appeared on the main spillway. Water also poured over a previously unused emergency spillway, resulting in the mass evacuation order.
The spillover damaged Oroville’s roads and infrastructure and issued a blow to the economy, city officials claim, noting that the cost of evacuating residents also drained Oroville’s budget.
The lawsuit attributes the dam’s near failure to decades of mismanagement, which allegedly carried over to a “culture of corruption and harassment,” in particular against women and minorities. The complaint also refers to some department officials as the “water mafia” and alleges that supervisors and employees stole state equipment.
A spokeswoman for DWR said the agency does not comment on pending litigation.
At The Chronicle’s request last February, Robert Bea, a professor emeritus and engineering expert at UC Berkeley, reviewed four dam inspections that were conducted between 2008 and 2016 by the Division of Safety of Dams, which is part of the DWR. The cratering of the main spillway, he determined, occurred in a spot where cracks and other defects had been found repeatedly since 2009.
Oroville’s lawsuit alleges that the dam was originally designed by an “inexperienced engineer who was hired directly from a university post-graduate program,” and that DWR was aware of the structure’s vulnerabilities. The complaint also said that structural issues with the dam were known to DWR as far back as 2000, and supervisors routinely fabricated reports on cleanup and maintenance projects.
“This case calls out for a total evaluation of our water projects and how they are being neglected and mismanaged by those in control of the delivery of water in California,” said Joseph Cotchett, one of Oroville’s attorneys in the suit.
Since the crisis last year, DWR has received criticism from independent experts for its handling of the dam’s upkeep, resulting in a shakeup at the department.
Federal regulators tasked a team of six with investigating the dam, and the group released a 584-page report that found both the DWR and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which is responsible for inspecting all dams that generate electricity, had failed to recognize and address issues with the Oroville Dam before the crisis.
The report also criticized the DWR’s culture of complacency, leading Gov. Jerry Brown to name a new senior state water official to head the department — the fourth person to hold that position since 2016.
Karla Nemeth, a deputy secretary and senior adviser at the California Natural Resources Agency, will take over as the head of DWR pending senate confirmation.
Oroville’s lawsuit also attempts to link allegations of dam mismanagement to a toxic work culture that included racism and sexual harassment, as well as allegations of theft.
DWR supervisors allegedly allowed a noose to be hung in a meeting room for several months that was used daily by the staff, according to the complaint. The noose, which was pictured in the lawsuit, reportedly remained in the room until an African American employee removed it.
That same employee — one of just two African Americans hired at the dam over a 20-year period, the complaint said — allegedly found a doll hanging in his locker and was called a racial epithet, in addition to being told that his job was “not like picking cotton.”
The lawsuit also claims that DWR’s female employees consistently faced harassment. A work conference held for women was referred to as the “Dyke Conference,” the complaint said. When women spoke out about harassment, the lawsuit claimed, they were subject to physical threats outside of work.
Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
