# Study estimates wildfires increased water flow in California watershed

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Topic: Science · Status: published · Version: 1
Published: 2026-11-04T22:31:43.396Z · Updated: 2026-11-04T22:31:43.396Z
Record: https://davids.news/s/study-estimates-wildfires-increased-water-flow-in-california-watershed-b13cbbec

A USGS-led model found the 2020 and 2021 fires left more water in soil or streams in the upper Feather River watershed.

- The watershed drains into Lake Oroville, which helps supply water to more than 27 million people, USGS says.

Why it matters: The study examines how fires affected water movement in a watershed that feeds a key part of California’s State Water Project.

## Original sources

- [U.S. Geological Survey](<https://www.usgs.gov/centers/california-water-science-center/news/wildfires-increased-feather-river-water-flow>) — primary announcement
  Source: U.S. Geological Survey · U.S. Geological Survey 2026 · Original report: 2026-11-04T19:29:44.000Z

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