The news conference seemed to go pretty well. I did not see them dodging any questions, including the unauthorized blasting issue. I like that there is a plan to use the main spillway if needed before all the construction is complete. This was one of the better DWR news conferences I've listened too. Good questions, Juan, thanks for the flyover and you usual outstanding coverage.👍👍.
For Juan to fly over the dam and point things out, that's fun and games. But man, having to listen and participate in this very long government/media meeting seems like actual *work* . Thank you Juan for donating your time here to keep us informed.
Thanks for presenting the press conference. You show why the press conference is valuable to the public and the agency. The DWR person gave an evasive answer to your question and the full story only came out because a journalist asked a followup. That journalist did their job and read the public record communications from FERC to DWR, and held DWR accountable in a very polite manner. As a construction person, I know that the work must continue and mistakes are just part of the process as ;long as the team addresses the causes. With the time pressure and consequences of errors the project management team has an incredible management challenge. Sounds as if DWR and Kiewit are doing the right thing here with the QA/QC work. Transparency helps these projects "get it right" but it can be very uncomfortable for the participants in the moment.
It's late and forgot to add that I've been following your videos going back to, if not before, the emergency declaration and evacuation earlier this year. Also appreciated some of your travel videos, and explaining how your new video equipment improves the video quality and thus our viewing experience. Well done.
rustbucketmokes There's millions of lives at stake downstream. Most relying on solid management procedures, for their livelihood. All this in the hands of beaurocrats. That's why I'm interested. Praying God takes control.
Juan Brown is the answer. Dude is real. I'm sure most of us are thinking about the subjects we WISH Juan would cover for us. Juan is a pilot, good job, nice man. I would Love coverage of taboo subjects by Juan. No need for him to risk his job. So, let's just enjoy real coverage of at least 1 subject in our Lives. Thanks Juan !
Great footage from the vintage airshow. Loved the gooney bird fly by, I thought he was going to do a touch and go, he was so low! Comprehensive reporting on the Oroville situation as always, thanks for the video, Juan.
OK guys, I stand corrected, I knew I should've watched it more than once, but it left me with the impression that it had been a DC-3; but upon closer (2nd look) examination, my mistake seems obvious; I remain impressed with the fly by nevertheless.
It will never cease to amaze me how quickly monumental infrastructure projects can be done when bureaucracy is pushed aside...thanks for keeping us informed!!!
Juan, they always hesitate when answering your questions. Unauthorized blasting?? Backfilling? Not on confirmed plans yet... Tap dancing... Juan you are the best at everything you do! Thanks again, great video! 🇺🇸✈️
Lad, Bruce, Bobby Greydawn...I loved them all. I have several first editions of the old fashioned Sunnybank books, each one having captured the charm of a bygone era, as well as a keen understanding of the mind of a dog - and that has not changed. Glad to find a commenter who is familiar with Albert Payson Terhune. The avatar is a photo from a Sunnybank collie.
Lad A Dog I have 3 collies at this time, 2 sisters, and a daughter of one of them. They are verified descendants of Sunnybank, even got Krissy Marshall, the leading Terhune Sunnybank historian, to help with some aspects of building the history. Very proud of their heritage. Yes, my avatar is a Sunnybank girl, Fair Ellen.
Thanks for including the extended Q&A exchange with DWR. It is really good to see you and the MSM reporters building on each others' questions to try to get at what is going on with improper blasting. Thanks also for continuing with these updates - they are so useful, especially in trying to cut through all the noise to understand the key issues being tackled right now.
Thank you again, Capt. Browne, for the fine reporting and fly-over. You are bringing "history in the making" as I wasn't around when the big dams were being constructed around the US. What an immense project/fix this is, and they only had one big screw up thus far: "unauthorized" blasting. What a mess, but at the same time, what an impressive work site.
I've worked construction for 30 years now. Mostly has a heavy equipment operator. Those drill rigs make a lot of noise and it is very obvious to when they are drilling their current location. So so was the blast result of explosive placement at the wrong place, improper amount of explosives, i.e. to much, or was the rock weaker in that area resulting in a over blast. How did this get missed in the checks and balances of "controlled blasting". Great job continue the good work
Me too, Donald. I'm an operator also and been around a lot of shooting but doesn't it sound fishy to you about an 'unauthorised shot' on a project this BIG?? Me thinks there is a deteriorating rodent close by. Nobody would be shooting anything unless all the 'I''s were dotted and 'T's crossed. No jackleg blasters would be anywhere NEAR this project.
My guess would somebody reading a document wrong, and not being questioned by those that thought something wasn't quite right. Probably someone higher up that has a quick temper.
True enough but as goofy as everything is, certain people would hate to let a crisis go to waste, even if they had to make one, and this gomm sure has the earmarks of a dandy if handled right/wrong.
I am sure a few days that the appropriate rotating medical practitioner will be put forth into the public eye to delivered a carefully scripted line of bovine excrement all the while obscuring the ocular receptors with the fleece.
Your videos are inspiring to watch. You have undoubtedly, as stated many times here, have effected change in fair, unbiased, responsible "Reporting/Journalism" across the internet as well as the "Main Street Media." I am so impressed with your abilities to fly/pilot aircraft and the dedication to Aviation you display Juan. You are multi-talented and obviously a really cool guy/Dad/Reporter/Pilot. Thanks so much for the continual updates Juan.
Thanks Juan another great video. I LOVE the way you shared the meet with the fly-bys. That looked like a C47 or something and he was really close to the ground on his fly by. WOW, I'm used to the P51's doing that but not the big guys. All I can say is MORE please LOL
I've spent a lot of time with pilots on military and civilian flight simulators and with other hardware-in-the-loop flight simulation systems over the years and I very much appreciate Juan's technical perspective on this process. Thank you, Juan, for sharing your concerns!
Thanks for keeping us informed Juan. Really appreciate it. This is the only ongoing detailed information I have found since our evacuation was announced. Love the flyovers!!!
Thanks for another great report Juan! "Vague answers to pointed questions" should be the subtitle! A question for next time is regarding the 8 additional cameras that were mentioned. Wondering about timing and whether public will be able to view them. There is a particular need for a camera that will show the plunge pool area.
What a great airport to have an airshow at - doesn't look like a huge hoard (or maybe herd!) of people, and you are up close to the planes. Love the sound of the radials in the B-25 and DC-4 in their fly-bys, and the P-51s raise the hairs on my arms. That has to be a memorable experience strapping in and flying one of those birds. And as always, thanks for the great reporting and digging into those activities that other news agencies kinda gloss over!
Juan.. you're the man! Thanks for your excellent updates. I see an impressive job site busy with activity day and night - under the lights. My hunch is that the contractors, working under pressure of the November deadline, are likely ahead of schedule. The pace is too fast for the SLOTH of The State who conjured up (non-existent) "blasting issues" to the slooow the work down. ... been here many times before.
Thanks for the update & a great video "Blancolirio".......I'll be at the upcoming community meeting in Oroville July 17th . I hope they can fill in that big hole and tie into the upper spillway and still finish on time, I'll keep my eyes & ears open. Great info.......
I've attended the Reno air races many times over the last 30 years, which is simply fantastic for those who have never been, all the time never knowing of this air show, thank you Juan. This appears to Reno light, but in smaller setting, no massive crowds and a great taste of these planes. The thought of Being that up close and personal for those flybys gives me goose bumps.
I have been fortunate enough to get a ride in both a C-54 and a B-25. They are absolutely incredible machines. The B-25 was louder than I could ever imagine inside, and the C-54 was incredibly smooth inside, very awesome airplanes.
Thank you for your updates, Juan! To call them informative is to minimize all the thought, research and effort you put into your posts. They're thorough and insightful.
Thanks Juan. I was quite taken back seeing what has been done since last time, they certainly are moving things at a fast pace.....looking forward to the next instalment. Thanks again. 👍🏼😊
Critical path? Blimey, that brought back memories of 1980s Production Management lectures. :D I doubt they'd release such a thing though, probably covered by the sensitive info thing.
A shame that it seems to take conflict to really kick development further forward, but there ya go, that's us humans eh? Thanks for the great videos, Juan! And for introducing so many to Aram's music. :)
c wired - It's not even a vague answer, it's no answer. 'Reviewing internal processes' just means there's some sort of miscommunication with the blasting contractor or lack of information. Should have followed up with more detailed questioning to drill down on these replies.
LOL Not certain our internet speeds but have that horder-kine disease where there are minimum 50 windows open at all times so if youtube is set on high res it'll often just spin its wheels. (must say tho, if you ever watch quality underwater kine vids def try the high res again!)
Biannual - every two years. Semi annual - every six months. Nice airshow clips. Drove over Donner Pass this afternoon. No snow near the roads at the summits (Both old US 40 and I 80.) When they rebuild the road to the boatramp will it be a causeway culverts to prevent it from being washed away?
Great work Juan , good questions . Enjoyed your intro clip of 2013 air fest. Is that a B-25 or B-26 , that's a nice looking plane and wow ,that DC-4 did a low fly over! Thanks for the update on all that construction work at Oroville Dam Spillway. Fall Season is in their rearview mirror! Good luck at this years Air Fest ,stay cool out there and enjoy the events.
Juan....thanks for the Spillway update... informative information from various questions posed by media. My question for you ..... how does Kiewit propose to fill in the cavernous hole between the Spillway access roads ? Am going to try and make it to the airshow ... would be nice to put a face with a name in person .... if you have a chance.
Sometimes when removing material next to a permanent structure it's advisable to use expanding grout vs. explosives. I wonder if they have considered that?
The sheriff is after you for stealing the show!! Great report again! Work past Nov !, well yes if the spillway is not needed or delayed with the RVOS and all SIX of the turBINES working which they are/were suppose to be working on. Staying tuned!
Thank you, Juan. Since I used to live in Twain Harte, I definitely am interested in your updates. Also, I really appreciate your updates from the Mighty Luscombe. I used to fly out of Columbia and miss the Sierras. Thank You.
Another great report Juan! Love the conference calls. Thanks for all the great videos you post! Don't know where you find the time! Watching from Kentucky.
Juan, Are there any plans to line or repair the inlet to the spillway from the lake side to prevent the scouring effect on the inlet, which were such a major concern during low level water releases trying to keep the lake water level down.
Also, Juan, the plastic over the recently poured concrete is mainly to control evaporation of moisture from the concrete, not necessarily to control the temperature, although some temp control will occur because of the lack of moisture loss. Blankets are generally only used in colder weather. I suspect that they will also spray, or otherwise, somehow place water on the surface of the new concrete, under the plastic, for at least the first 7-10 days to help with curing.
I wonder if the second, surface power-plant will be reconsidered. Its outflow would tap water which now must be released via the spillway. Great Work, BTW
Has it been determined that the "aeration" design will reduce cavitation and not intensify it? How and with what material will the "humungous hole" be filled? Is the overall gradient of the chute going to be changed, or will it be steepened at some point as before, causing the flow velocity to increase from ("x"?) to ("y"?)? Is 100K cfs enough? Is the spillway design fully capable of handling 100K cfs? What’s being done (repair, redesign) to the gates and the spillway structure itself? Was the alternative of a "humungous" splash pad/energy dissipator considered, or will the final design retain an abruptly increased gradient to handle the difference in elevation between the spillway and the bottom of the ridge? Were the P and S waves from both earthquakes and blasting thoroughly modeled or calculated in the design process, and what safety factor was used in the new (and old) design? Were harmonics and their possible/potential effects considered and found irrelevant, or? What geomorphic processes caused the existing fracturing of the "bedrock" in the geologic past? Does the integrity of spillway structure depend upon the bedrock continuing to be forever stable (or throughout the useful life [what is it?] of the structure)? Sorry if I missed it, but what kind of damage was done by recent blasting to the remaining spillway structure? Is that structure to remain or be replaced? Did the damaging blast exceed specification and/or was its location authorized? What was/were the causal factor(s) of the damage? Sorry for the dumb questions.
I think you said work was starting at 6 AM. it should be no work from 1:30 PM to about 5:30 PM to miss the heat of the day. Use this time for inspections. This work could be 20/7. Thanks for the great REPORTS Juan.
Trying to figure out those forms on the lower spillway. Looks like they're reinforced concrete going up to the bottom of the new spillway. They'll put RCC between them, then pour the spillway over the top of it all. That would give a continuous anchorage path to the bedrock that you wouldn't have with RCC.
From ariel view looking at the anchored barges in the channel, you can see brown silting in the water from one of the barges. Is that a sluicing operation going on?
Bi-annual, Juan. Semi-annual would be twice a year. Great video, as always, and getting better. Your look after her reply to your question on blasting was LOL priceless.
excellent video as usual, thanks. If the lab with the spillway model does determine they need aeration to stop cavitation, why on earth would they wait until next year to add it, and risk losing what they have if rains are heavy next winter? Is it too impossible with the limited time they have?
Juan can you please ask what DWR is doing to work with local cities and counties concerning the LEVEES and reservoirs that are located below the Oroville Dam? (i.e. Sacramento, Marysville, etc.) The "new" spillway is slated to release a certain amount of csf of water ABOVE what our OLD levees and reservoirs downstream can handle and hold (which have NOT been maintained). Also, I'm curious to know IF and how this new spillway (and maybe new policies, procedures and regulations, etc.) going to affect the farmers. Thank you! 😇
What surprises me is that the lake level has been maintained around 811-812 feet for several weeks now, with output from the Hyatt power plant cut to match summer lake inflows. If there is any chance that the delays could mean the lower spillway work may run past Nov 1 or the blasting damage to the upper spillway could impair its ability to handle 100k cps next winter then I think it imperative they use the summer to get the lake way down to
Juan, that AVgas must have gold as a special anti-knock additive! Price of regular car gas here in coastal NC. is currently $1.92 per gallon. 93 octane (premium) is $2.42 to $2.75, depending on the station. And diesel is ranging from $2.19 to $2.43.
I agree with c wired. When you asked why the blasting was stopped, a straight forward question, why didn't they just say there was unauthorized blasting that damaged the upper spillway? Why did the major media ppl have to drag that out of them, referencing the letters to FERC? It just didn't seem very transparent, and that causes ppl to worry about" what else are they not telling us". Keep up the great reporting Juan!!!!
The biggest concern has to be getting this years construction to a point that should the spillway be used to an extreme, that new concrete infill, RCC and new spillways are not compromised.
Juan, questions for next time: 1. When is the emergency spillway work expected to be completed, including all of the secant wall, the buttress wall, and the RCC apron? If not by November 1st (as they've already stated), will work continue on that area this winter, or will it be taken up again next spring with a target completion of next winter? 2. How much, if any, of the lower spillway being done this year will have its final concrete surface by this November 1st? From what I gather (although I've yet to hear it said explicitly), it may be the bottom and topmost sections, maybe 40%(?) of what has been demolished. Or will it be none at all, and the entire thing will have only an RCC surface?
Thanks for the Air Show Fly Bye's and Way to make a phone conference entertaining Juan!!!! 1 !!!! Can you add these questions to your infinite note pad for the next media phone conference please? How are the power plant turbine maintenance schedules coming along??? DWR had #1 in a rebuild phased scheduled for completion early this summer? Did they get the rebuilt parts back yet? and 2 more slotted for tear down and inspect about the same time this summer? Along with a turbine tube inspection????? Have they gotten a progress report or update on the turbine maintenance (#of) and (#of) repairs lately? I just thought someone should ask. Thanks again Juan for keeping em flying high. Stay safe and Peace Out.
stay in place forms... it looks like 4' sticks of half inch rebar affixed to expanded steel mesh but I didn't see any rebar or redheads within the forms
One question Juan! What about the shoofly connection and what about all the new wires that are necessary to set them to another direction?? Because I think they're still using the olded over-the-emergency-spillway lines for evacuating all the power produced by the Hyatt Power Plant.
I very much enjoy your updates! Bi-annual = every 2 years. (Bicycle) Semi-annual = every half of a year. (Semi-Circle) The terms have been confounded, where biannual has taken both meanings.
I know this has nothing to do with the dam project however I look at your AV gas price and could relate. My father used to road race (and for those who aren't familiar with racing this is the type of racing you would see in formula 1 racing a track with right and left turns. The price of gas when he was racing was close to $6 a gallon. Can you believe it cost more in racing fuel than av fuel even with the normal gas price at the time was just about 80¢/gallon. To me that sounds a bit insane and this fuel was not long lasting it mpg was as insane as the price so in my eyes your AV fuel is fairly efficient just an observation Thank you for all your reporting Happy to hear you like the 777 I have a friend who is an inspector for this plane when service is provided. I hear it's an awe inspiring piece of engineering.
Hey Juan: They are using and depending upon RCC extensively as one of the major upgraded foundation design upgrades in this new spillway design. CTB (Cement Treated Base) has been around for at least 30 years that I know of. It is a mixture of base rock mixed with Portland Cement and other "fines" that is laid down and compacted. Given some moisture, it becomes a type of "concrete". I'm wondering how RCC compares to CTB?? Is it any more than a new "Acronym" or are there any major differences in its makup and/or application??
The answer you got about the blasting, given you were the first to ask, was kind of dodge wasn't it? Their answer says that there is a certain aversion to admitting mistakes at DWR and/or their contractors. Damaging the upper spillway could be a serious problem and no one got a straight answer.
Thanks for another great video, Juan. It's always nice to catch up on what's happening, since the pictures and videos from DWR aren't coming out as often. I recall hearing some time ago from DWR that the project was "ahead of schedule". We haven't heard that lately and looking at the progress, I wonder if it's still on schedule and how they will possibly be ready for operation on November 1st. The spillway was turned off on May 21st. That allows just over 5 months. We're almost 2 months into the schedule and it sure doesn't look like they are making much progress. Sure, the bottom section is moving ahead, but it's relatively trivial compared to the massive areas where the erosion took place. I know they won't make the plans public, but it would be interesting to see some engineering drawings. The answers to the questions about the blasting issue were very vague, particularly about damage to the remaining part of the fco spillway. I was surprised to hear that they will not lay down RCC in the part of the emergency spillway between the weir and the secant wall.
Great work Juan! From your viewpoint in the air and conversations with the project managers, does it appear that 500 people working 6 days/week x 10 hours/day is enough to complete the work in less than 4 months? And is there a plan in place to add more resources to make up lost time due to the blasting incident?
The news conference seemed to go pretty well. I did not see them dodging any questions, including the unauthorized blasting issue. I like that there is a plan to use the main spillway if needed before all the construction is complete. This was one of the better DWR news conferences I've listened too. Good questions, Juan, thanks for the flyover and you usual outstanding coverage.👍👍.
For Juan to fly over the dam and point things out, that's fun and games. But man, having to listen and participate in this very long government/media meeting seems like actual *work* . Thank you Juan for donating your time here to keep us informed.
Thanks!..it IS!
blancolirio thank you Juan.Hit me up next time you fly in to Dulles.
Thanks for presenting the press conference. You show why the press conference is valuable to the public and the agency. The DWR person gave an evasive answer to your question and the full story only came out because a journalist asked a followup. That journalist did their job and read the public record communications from FERC to DWR, and held DWR accountable in a very polite manner. As a construction person, I know that the work must continue and mistakes are just part of the process as ;long as the team addresses the causes. With the time pressure and consequences of errors the project management team has an incredible management challenge. Sounds as if DWR and Kiewit are doing the right thing here with the QA/QC work. Transparency helps these projects "get it right" but it can be very uncomfortable for the participants in the moment.
It's late and forgot to add that I've been following your videos going back to, if not before, the emergency declaration and evacuation earlier this year. Also appreciated some of your travel videos, and explaining how your new video equipment improves the video quality and thus our viewing experience. Well done.
Have no idea why this interest me so much but still wait on your regular updates thanks for the cool videos
John from Australia
rustbucketmokes There's millions of lives at stake downstream. Most relying on solid management procedures, for their livelihood.
All this in the hands of beaurocrats. That's why I'm interested. Praying God takes control.
Same for me)
Hello from Belarus!
Ditto and Kia Ora Cobber :)
Still watching from Wales...don't know why really....
Juan Brown is the answer. Dude is real. I'm sure most of us are thinking about the subjects we WISH Juan would cover for us. Juan is a pilot, good job, nice man. I would Love coverage of taboo subjects by Juan. No need for him to risk his job. So, let's just enjoy real coverage of at least 1 subject in our Lives. Thanks Juan !
Great footage from the vintage airshow. Loved the gooney bird fly by, I thought he was going to do a touch and go, he was so low! Comprehensive reporting on the Oroville situation as always, thanks for the video, Juan.
That wasn't a Gooney. A DC-3 has only 2 engines.
Correct, the announcer said it was a DC-4
OK guys, I stand corrected, I knew I should've watched it more than once, but it left me with the impression that it had been a DC-3; but upon closer (2nd look) examination, my mistake seems obvious; I remain impressed with the fly by nevertheless.
It will never cease to amaze me how quickly monumental infrastructure projects can be done when bureaucracy is pushed aside...thanks for keeping us informed!!!
I was going through Oroville update withdrawal symptoms! Thanks for the update Juan! Awesome as always.
Great flying on the part of the Orion pilot! Gee that silver and blue B25 was beautiful!
Still the only REAL coverage of Oroville. Thanks for all of your efforts.
Juan, they always hesitate when answering your questions. Unauthorized blasting?? Backfilling? Not on confirmed plans yet... Tap dancing...
Juan you are the best at everything you do! Thanks again, great video! 🇺🇸✈️
Those long pregnant pauses say a lot!
Lad A Dog They do indeed!
Lad A Dog
Are you a Terhune fan??? Lad A Dog was his first Collie themed novel...
Lad, Bruce, Bobby Greydawn...I loved them all. I have several first editions of the old fashioned Sunnybank books, each one having captured the charm of a bygone era, as well as a keen understanding of the mind of a dog - and that has not changed. Glad to find a commenter who is familiar with Albert Payson Terhune. The avatar is a photo from a Sunnybank collie.
Lad A Dog
I have 3 collies at this time, 2 sisters, and a daughter of one of them. They are verified descendants of Sunnybank, even got Krissy Marshall, the leading Terhune Sunnybank historian, to help with some aspects of building the history. Very proud of their heritage. Yes, my avatar is a Sunnybank girl, Fair Ellen.
Thanks for including the extended Q&A exchange with DWR. It is really good to see you and the MSM reporters building on each others' questions to try to get at what is going on with improper blasting. Thanks also for continuing with these updates - they are so useful, especially in trying to cut through all the noise to understand the key issues being tackled right now.
Thank you again, Capt. Browne, for the fine reporting and fly-over. You are bringing "history in the making" as I wasn't around when the big dams were being constructed around the US. What an immense project/fix this is, and they only had one big screw up thus far: "unauthorized" blasting. What a mess, but at the same time, what an impressive work site.
mighty luscombe:)), I'm in so .ca. and we still have tiny tiny bit of snow in Palm springs. thx for the ride again
I've worked construction for 30 years now. Mostly has a heavy equipment operator. Those drill rigs make a lot of noise and it is very obvious to when they are drilling their current location. So so was the blast result of explosive placement at the wrong place, improper amount of explosives, i.e. to much, or was the rock weaker in that area resulting in a over blast. How did this get missed in the checks and balances of "controlled blasting". Great job continue the good work
Me too, Donald. I'm an operator also and been around a lot of shooting but doesn't it sound fishy to you about an 'unauthorised shot' on a project this BIG?? Me thinks there is a deteriorating rodent close by. Nobody would be shooting anything unless all the 'I''s were dotted and 'T's crossed. No jackleg blasters would be anywhere NEAR this project.
My guess would somebody reading a document wrong, and not being questioned by those that thought something wasn't quite right.
Probably someone higher up that has a quick temper.
Why doesn't surprise me that this happened. These are the same kind of people in charge now that built this engineering Marvel in the first place
True enough but as goofy as everything is, certain people would hate to let a crisis go to waste, even if they had to make one, and this gomm sure has the earmarks of a dandy if handled right/wrong.
I am sure a few days that the appropriate rotating medical practitioner will be put forth into the public eye to delivered a carefully scripted line of bovine excrement all the while obscuring the ocular receptors with the fleece.
1:10 biennial 🙂
Thanks for another great update Juan 👍
Your videos are inspiring to watch. You have undoubtedly, as stated many times here, have effected change in fair, unbiased, responsible "Reporting/Journalism" across the internet as well as the "Main Street Media."
I am so impressed with your abilities to fly/pilot aircraft and the dedication to Aviation you display Juan.
You are multi-talented and obviously a really cool guy/Dad/Reporter/Pilot. Thanks so much for the continual updates Juan.
Thanks Juan another great video. I LOVE the way you shared the meet with the fly-bys. That looked like a C47 or something and he was really close to the ground on his fly by. WOW, I'm used to the P51's doing that but not the big guys. All I can say is MORE please LOL
I've spent a lot of time with pilots on military and civilian flight simulators and with other hardware-in-the-loop flight simulation systems over the years and I very much appreciate Juan's technical perspective on this process. Thank you, Juan, for sharing your concerns!
Thanks for keeping us informed Juan. Really appreciate it. This is the only ongoing detailed information I have found since our evacuation was announced. Love the flyovers!!!
Thanks for another great report Juan! "Vague answers to pointed questions" should be the subtitle! A question for next time is regarding the 8 additional cameras that were mentioned. Wondering about timing and whether public will be able to view them. There is a particular need for a camera that will show the plunge pool area.
Every day, I'm checking this channel for news even if it's >5000 miles from home. Thanks Juan
What a great airport to have an airshow at - doesn't look like a huge hoard (or maybe herd!) of people, and you are up close to the planes. Love the sound of the radials in the B-25 and DC-4 in their fly-bys, and the P-51s raise the hairs on my arms. That has to be a memorable experience strapping in and flying one of those birds. And as always, thanks for the great reporting and digging into those activities that other news agencies kinda gloss over!
Juan Browne is the example for the new age of proper journalistic coverage , Cheers ! and thanks
Juan.. you're the man! Thanks for your excellent updates.
I see an impressive job site busy with activity day and night - under the lights. My hunch is that the contractors, working under pressure of the November deadline, are likely ahead of schedule. The pace is too fast for the SLOTH of The State who conjured up (non-existent) "blasting issues" to the slooow the work down. ... been here many times before.
thnx for the vid Juan this has captivated me from the very start an i always look forward to ur updates. keep it up!!!
Thanks again for continued coverage of the debacle at the dam... you are the ONLY source of such high quality information.
Thanks for the update & a great video "Blancolirio".......I'll be at the upcoming community meeting in Oroville July 17th . I hope they can fill in that big hole and tie into the upper spillway and still finish on time, I'll keep my eyes & ears open. Great info.......
I've attended the Reno air races many times over the last 30 years, which is simply fantastic for those who have never been, all the time never knowing of this air show, thank you Juan.
This appears to Reno light, but in smaller setting, no massive crowds and a great taste of these planes. The thought of Being that up close and personal for those flybys gives me goose bumps.
Yes! That's what makes our show unique.
I have been fortunate enough to get a ride in both a C-54 and a B-25. They are absolutely incredible machines. The B-25 was louder than I could ever imagine inside, and the C-54 was incredibly smooth inside, very awesome airplanes.
Thank you for your updates, Juan! To call them informative is to minimize all the thought, research and effort you put into your posts. They're thorough and insightful.
Thanks Juan. I was quite taken back seeing what has been done since last time, they certainly are moving things at a fast pace.....looking forward to the next instalment. Thanks again. 👍🏼😊
Why don't they concrete the entrance to the spillway to prevent scouring?
Loved the brief glimpse of the older aircraft. Semi-annual refers to a twice-a-year occurrence, biennial is every two years.
Thanks for your info,your channel is MOST informative as I have friends and family who live below the dam.
Most projects which have spent millions of dollars have documented critical path schedules. Has it been made available?
Critical path? Blimey, that brought back memories of 1980s Production Management lectures. :D I doubt they'd release such a thing though, probably covered by the sensitive info thing.
1980's. ? Try 1960's. I think this is a "Get 'er done" schedule
it's amazing how far aircraft had advanced from Wright Bros to the onset of WWII... just amazing ..
Yes!
A shame that it seems to take conflict to really kick development further forward, but there ya go, that's us humans eh?
Thanks for the great videos, Juan! And for introducing so many to Aram's music. :)
Another great update. Every time I see an update the same thought comes to mind. "Oh my gosh, the expense."
"Vague answers to pointed questions…" LOL
Waoow flybys look nice in high res, gotta remember to hit HD.
If you've got an unlimited internet connection you go to into the youtube settings and tell it to always start in 4k ;)
c wired - It's not even a vague answer, it's no answer. 'Reviewing internal processes' just means there's some sort of miscommunication with the blasting contractor or lack of information. Should have followed up with more detailed questioning to drill down on these replies.
LOL Not certain our internet speeds but have that horder-kine disease where there are minimum 50 windows open at all times so if youtube is set on high res it'll often just spin its wheels. (must say tho, if you ever watch quality underwater kine vids def try the high res again!)
Hello Wales! my ancestor was thought to be Welch, he settled in the area that is now Dover, Delaware in year 1653. He previously lived in Somerset.
Don't know how those workers manage in the extreme heat there. More great reporting Juan. :)
ChrisB257, they are all union, I'm sure the extra pay and benefits knocks off a few degrees.
Thank you Juan. Great reporting, the best!
2:10 Nice! Was that a short take-off for the DC-4?! Great shots of the fly-by, as well!
Biannual - every two years. Semi annual - every six months. Nice airshow clips.
Drove over Donner Pass this afternoon. No snow near the roads at the summits (Both old US 40 and I 80.)
When they rebuild the road to the boatramp will it be a causeway culverts to prevent it from being washed away?
howdy from Sacramento. thanks again for the awesome information and your hard work putting these pieces together.
Juan... Press #1 for Refill on Margaritas, SWEEEET Sounds from V12s Supercharged .... !!
And I **loved** the low-and-slow-fly by the DC-4. No mistaking a Douglas for anything else! Beautiful plane, expertly flown.
Juan, you're an international star! Excellent work!
Great work Juan , good questions . Enjoyed your intro clip of 2013 air fest. Is that a B-25 or B-26 , that's a nice looking plane and wow ,that DC-4 did a low fly over! Thanks for the update on all that construction work at Oroville Dam Spillway. Fall Season is in their rearview mirror! Good luck at this years Air Fest ,stay cool out there and enjoy the events.
Juan....thanks for the Spillway update... informative information from various questions posed by media. My question for you ..... how does Kiewit propose to fill in the cavernous hole between the Spillway access roads ? Am going to try and make it to the airshow ... would be nice to put a face with a name in person .... if you have a chance.
Sometimes when removing material next to a permanent structure it's advisable to use expanding grout vs. explosives. I wonder if they have considered that?
The sheriff is after you for stealing the show!! Great report again! Work past Nov !, well yes if the spillway is not needed or delayed with the RVOS and all SIX of the turBINES working which they are/were suppose to be working on. Staying tuned!
Looks like a great opportunity for beach combing fishing lures around the Orville Lake shore line.
Another great Job Juan. Thanks for keeping us up to date with the facts.
Thank you, Juan. Since I used to live in Twain Harte, I definitely am interested in your updates. Also, I really appreciate your updates from the Mighty Luscombe. I used to fly out of Columbia and miss the Sierras. Thank You.
Twain Hart! Feather River country.
+blancolirio thanks for the video. Love the p51 mustang
Sounds like the dwr has no clue on many of these answers. Another amazing job jaun. keep up the excellent work!!
Love that pass with the old DC-4!
Another great report Juan! Love the conference calls. Thanks for all the great videos you post! Don't know where you find the time! Watching from Kentucky.
Juan, Are there any plans to line or repair the inlet to the spillway from the lake side to prevent the scouring effect on the inlet, which were such a major concern during low level water releases trying to keep the lake water level down.
not at this time...
Also, Juan, the plastic over the recently poured concrete is mainly to control evaporation of moisture from the concrete, not necessarily to control the temperature, although some temp control will occur because of the lack of moisture loss. Blankets are generally only used in colder weather. I suspect that they will also spray, or otherwise, somehow place water on the surface of the new concrete, under the plastic, for at least the first 7-10 days to help with curing.
Bi-annual is every other year Juan.
Semi-annual is usually every 6 months.
LOVE your postings!!
I wonder if the second, surface power-plant will be reconsidered. Its outflow would tap water which now must be released via the spillway. Great Work, BTW
Has it been determined that the "aeration" design
will reduce cavitation and not intensify it?
How and with what material will the "humungous hole" be filled?
Is the overall gradient of the chute going to be changed, or will it be steepened
at some point as before, causing the flow velocity to increase from
("x"?) to ("y"?)?
Is 100K cfs enough?
Is the spillway design fully capable of handling 100K cfs?
What’s being done (repair, redesign) to the gates and the
spillway structure itself?
Was the alternative of a "humungous" splash pad/energy dissipator
considered, or will the final design retain an abruptly increased gradient to
handle the difference in elevation between the spillway and the bottom of the
ridge?
Were the P and S waves from both earthquakes and blasting thoroughly modeled or
calculated in the design process, and what safety factor was used in the new
(and old) design? Were harmonics and their possible/potential effects
considered and found irrelevant, or?
What geomorphic processes caused the existing fracturing of the "bedrock"
in the geologic past?
Does the integrity of spillway structure depend upon the bedrock continuing to
be forever stable (or throughout the useful life [what is it?] of the structure)?
Sorry if I missed it, but what kind of damage was done by recent blasting to
the remaining spillway structure? Is that structure to remain or be replaced?
Did the damaging blast exceed specification and/or was its location authorized?
What was/were the causal factor(s) of the damage?
Sorry for the dumb questions.
Thanks for the educational update.
I think you said work was starting at 6 AM. it should be no work from 1:30 PM to about 5:30 PM to miss the heat of the day. Use this time for inspections. This work could be 20/7. Thanks for the great REPORTS Juan.
Trying to figure out those forms on the lower spillway. Looks like they're reinforced concrete going up to the bottom of the new spillway. They'll put RCC between them, then pour the spillway over the top of it all. That would give a continuous anchorage path to the bedrock that you wouldn't have with RCC.
From ariel view looking at the anchored barges in the channel, you can see brown silting in the water from one of the barges. Is that a sluicing operation going on?
still cleaning out the channel.
Bi-annual, Juan. Semi-annual would be twice a year. Great video, as always, and getting better. Your look after her reply to your question on blasting was LOL priceless.
Thanks again Juan for an excellent update.
excellent video as usual, thanks. If the lab with the spillway model does determine they need aeration to stop cavitation, why on earth would they wait until next year to add it, and risk losing what they have if rains are heavy next winter? Is it too impossible with the limited time they have?
seems odd....time constraints?
Aeration facilities would be located in the structural slab. That's scheduled for next year anyway, is it not?
Nice job with all you do Juan, Thanks.
Juan can you please ask what DWR is doing to work with local cities and counties concerning the LEVEES and reservoirs that are located below the Oroville Dam? (i.e. Sacramento, Marysville, etc.) The "new" spillway is slated to release a certain amount of csf of water ABOVE what our OLD levees and reservoirs downstream can handle and hold (which have NOT been maintained). Also, I'm curious to know IF and how this new spillway (and maybe new policies, procedures and regulations, etc.) going to affect the farmers. Thank you! 😇
Gov. Brown recently denied funding for levee improvement.
What does the project schedule look like? What were used to call the critical path method.
What surprises me is that the lake level has been maintained around 811-812 feet for several weeks now, with output from the Hyatt power plant cut to match summer lake inflows. If there is any chance that the delays could mean the lower spillway work may run past Nov 1 or the blasting damage to the upper spillway could impair its ability to handle 100k cps next winter then I think it imperative they use the summer to get the lake way down to
Kids... gotta love em...
Great video, as usual. Thanks Juan!
Juan, that AVgas must have gold as a special anti-knock additive!
Price of regular car gas here in coastal NC. is currently $1.92 per gallon.
93 octane (premium) is $2.42 to $2.75, depending on the station.
And diesel is ranging from $2.19 to $2.43.
AV gas is 100LL that stands for 100 Octane low lead which in California is gold
I have not heard anything about the 6th generator upgrade completion. I makes since to me that it would be on line before the next flood season.
I agree with c wired. When you asked why the blasting was stopped, a straight forward question, why didn't they just say there was unauthorized blasting that damaged the upper spillway? Why did the major media ppl have to drag that out of them, referencing the letters to FERC? It just didn't seem very transparent, and that causes ppl to worry about" what else are they not telling us". Keep up the great reporting Juan!!!!
The biggest concern has to be getting this years construction to a point that should the spillway be used to an extreme, that new concrete infill, RCC and new spillways are not compromised.
Juan, questions for next time:
1. When is the emergency spillway work expected to be completed, including all of the secant wall, the buttress wall, and the RCC apron? If not by November 1st (as they've already stated), will work continue on that area this winter, or will it be taken up again next spring with a target completion of next winter?
2. How much, if any, of the lower spillway being done this year will have its final concrete surface by this November 1st? From what I gather (although I've yet to hear it said explicitly), it may be the bottom and topmost sections, maybe 40%(?) of what has been demolished. Or will it be none at all, and the entire thing will have only an RCC surface?
Thanks for the Air Show Fly Bye's and Way to make a phone conference entertaining Juan!!!! 1 !!!! Can you add these questions to your infinite note pad for the next media phone conference please? How are the power plant turbine maintenance schedules coming along??? DWR had #1 in a rebuild phased scheduled for completion early this summer? Did they get the rebuilt parts back yet? and 2 more slotted for tear down and inspect about the same time this summer? Along with a turbine tube inspection????? Have they gotten a progress report or update on the turbine maintenance (#of) and (#of) repairs lately? I just thought someone should ask. Thanks again Juan for keeping em flying high. Stay safe and Peace Out.
stay in place forms... it looks like 4' sticks of half inch rebar affixed to expanded steel mesh but I didn't see any rebar or redheads within the forms
One question Juan! What about the shoofly connection and what about all the new wires that are necessary to set them to another direction?? Because I think they're still using the olded over-the-emergency-spillway lines for evacuating all the power produced by the Hyatt Power Plant.
thx Juan
Very good Juan. What concerns me are the same regulators that passed the old spillway as safe, now overseeing the new construction?
Thank you, Juan, for another informative report.
JUAN great job again .I haven,t seen any work on the gates I understood there were some cracks in the walls at the gate doors ? thanks man
I very much enjoy your updates!
Bi-annual = every 2 years. (Bicycle)
Semi-annual = every half of a year. (Semi-Circle)
The terms have been confounded, where biannual has taken both meanings.
Thanks for the great info, Juan. Great job.
I know this has nothing to do with the dam project however I look at your AV gas price and could relate.
My father used to road race (and for those who aren't familiar with racing this is the type of racing you would see in formula 1 racing a track with right and left turns. The price of gas when he was racing was close to $6 a gallon. Can you believe it cost more in racing fuel than av fuel even with the normal gas price at the time was just about 80¢/gallon. To me that sounds a bit insane and this fuel was not long lasting it mpg was as insane as the price so in my eyes your AV fuel is fairly efficient just an observation
Thank you for all your reporting
Happy to hear you like the 777 I have a friend who is an inspector for this plane when service is provided. I hear it's an awe inspiring piece of engineering.
Very informative. Thank you Juan.
Hey Juan:
They are using and depending upon RCC extensively as one of the major upgraded foundation design upgrades in this new spillway design. CTB (Cement Treated Base) has been around for at least 30 years that I know of. It is a mixture of base rock mixed with Portland Cement and other "fines" that is laid down and compacted. Given some moisture, it becomes a type of "concrete". I'm wondering how RCC compares to CTB?? Is it any more than a new "Acronym" or are there any major differences in its makup and/or application??
The answer you got about the blasting, given you were the first to ask, was kind of dodge wasn't it? Their answer says that there is a certain aversion to admitting mistakes at DWR and/or their contractors. Damaging the upper spillway could be a serious problem and no one got a straight answer.
Great job Juan as always.
I am always fascinated how slow these propeller planes are and still can fly. :D
That was a big airplane at a small airport, Wow!
Thanks for another great video, Juan. It's always nice to catch up on what's happening, since the pictures and videos from DWR aren't coming out as often.
I recall hearing some time ago from DWR that the project was "ahead of schedule". We haven't heard that lately and looking at the progress, I wonder if it's still on schedule and how they will possibly be ready for operation on November 1st. The spillway was turned off on May 21st. That allows just over 5 months. We're almost 2 months into the schedule and it sure doesn't look like they are making much progress. Sure, the bottom section is moving ahead, but it's relatively trivial compared to the massive areas where the erosion took place.
I know they won't make the plans public, but it would be interesting to see some engineering drawings.
The answers to the questions about the blasting issue were very vague, particularly about damage to the remaining part of the fco spillway.
I was surprised to hear that they will not lay down RCC in the part of the emergency spillway between the weir and the secant wall.
Great work Juan! From your viewpoint in the air and conversations with the project managers, does it appear that 500 people working 6 days/week x 10 hours/day is enough to complete the work in less than 4 months? And is there a plan in place to add more resources to make up lost time due to the blasting incident?
thanks again for your work Juan loved the old war birds too
Juan,
Great info as always - thank you!
God bless
Paul