When we sold our home in California, we planned on being in South Dakota before Thanksgiving.
But before close was successful, it was December.
I have a 40 foot fifth wheel RV, and I wasn’t excited about driving through snow and ice to get moved to South Dakota.
After some long discussions, my wife and I decided she would fly out and begin the process of moving in while I stayed back here in Oroville, California with the RV and our 2 small dogs.
Rising Waters caused by rains
Our local park selection was poor due to demand around Christmas, but we finally found a spot near the Feather River. That was our first mistake.
After 5 or so years of drought, little thought was given to rain. Mistake #2.
2016/2017 has turned out to be the wettest season in many years, currently at > 200% of normal and the season isn’t over yet.
At first, the Water Resources board was handling things, water up quite a bit over usual, but manageable.
Oroville Dam Spillway blowout. 300 ft across
Then on February 7th, 2017 a large chunk of the Spillway broke loose beginning erosion on the spillway.
For those who don’t live near dams, a spillway is a way the dam lets off water to keep levels manageable.
With rains continuing, the dam levels continued to rise. Over 135,000 CFS of water was coming into the lake from rains and feeder rivers, yet they were only able to let out up to 65,000 CFS.
I’m no math wizard, but even I could see it wouldn’t be long until it filled.
At this point ( 900 ft) the dam basically runs over the sides like a tub would since it can no longer hold additional water.
On Friday, Feb 10th, we bailed and left the park just downriver a short distance from the dam. On Feb 11th, the emergency spillway went into use for the first time in the dam’s 48 year history. And more rains due to start next week.
Sure glad I am long gone!
More to come!