Water drops

Dropping water levels in Lake Oroville have forced the closing of the lake’s last paved boat launch ramp, located in Bidwell Canyon and scheduled for shutdown by Aug. 20.

The Department of Water Resources will open its low-water gravel boat ramp, which is accessed from the spillway’s upper parking lot on the west entrance to the lake. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for accessing the ramp.

The South Forebay and the Afterbay are still open for power-boat operation and nonmotorized boats can be launched at the diversion pool below the dam and at the North Forebay west of Highway 70. Kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding and rowing remain available at the Forebay Aquatic Center. For more details, call the Lake Oroville visitor center at 538-2219.