The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has announced a temporary halt to ongoing work on the Brad Freeman Trail, located along the Thermalito Afterbay. This decision comes after several months of sealing and paving efforts. The trailway will be open to the public until work resumes in the spring of 2026.
DWR’s spokesperson, Jason Ince, confirmed that the completed sections include trails near the Thermalito power plant access road, dam parking lot, and Thermalito Power Canal Road. Additionally, rail installations at Canyon Drive and Oroville Dam Boulevard were part of this year’s improvements. Ince noted, “Altogether, the project is about two-thirds complete.”
Future Plans for the Trailway
Work on the trail is expected to recommence in May 2026. The next phases will focus on several key locations, including:
– A segment of the trail near the Thermalito Diversion Dam power plant
– The trailway along Glen Drive at the Oroville Field Division Operations and Maintenance Center
– The remaining section of the Afterbay Dam Crest Road from the East Hamilton Road access point to south of Highway 162
“While most of the Thermalito Afterbay Dam Crest Road and Dam Crest Road south of Highway 162 has been paved, work north of Highway 162 will resume in spring 2026,” Ince added. Additional improvements are also planned for the parking lots at the Feather River Fish Hatchery, alongside enhancements to its office and maintenance building.
As the DWR prepares to restart work, it anticipates that the trail at Thermalito Afterbay Dam Crest Road will close again once construction begins in spring 2026.
Current Conditions at Lake Oroville
Currently, Lake Oroville sits at 765.57 feet, marking the lowest level for December 10 since 2022, yet it remains significantly above the 2022 measurement of 662.83 feet. The lake’s capacity is approximately 51% of its total capacity of 1.76 million acre-feet.
The DWR’s announcement highlighted that Feather River flows are currently at 650 cubic feet per second through the city of Oroville, with 1,450 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet. This results in a total Feather River release of 2,100 cfs downstream. Ongoing assessments of Feather River releases may lead to further flow reductions over the weekend.
This seasonal pause in construction allows for maintenance and planning, ensuring that the trailway can be safely utilized by the public while preparations for the next phase are undertaken. As spring approaches, residents and visitors can look forward to the completion of the project and the enhanced recreational opportunities it will provide.
