From Newsweek – California water officials are releasing water from Oroville Dam as the lake’s water levels continue to rise with more rain on the way. “Water releases from Lake Oroville were increased in advance of a series of storms and provide flood protection to downstream communities by maintaining storage capacity in the reservoir for additional rain capture,” a DWR spokesperson told Newsweek. California’s Department of Water Resources (DWR) opened the main spillway at Oroville Dam to provide flood protection for downstream communities in advance of more rain forecast for California. Lake Oroville’s water levels had jumped significantly over the past few months as several atmospheric rivers battered the state with torrential rain and heavy snow. (more)