Oroville Spillway Opened Before Expected Storms

California officials opened the Oroville Dam’s damaged spillway</a> on Friday, April 14, as another round of storms were expected in the region. The spillway is expected to be open for up to 14 days, according to the Department of Water Resources</a>.

Officials also opened the bids</a> to complete the repairs for the spillway with cost estimates ranging from $275.4 million to $344.1 million. Officials plan to award the contract on Monday.

Damage caused by erosion was discovered on the spillway in February as heavy rainfall rose the level of Lake Oroville. The town below the dam was evacuated amid fears the dam could breach, and people were allowed home within days. Officials have been working to repair the spillway since. The spillway was last open on March 27.