What caused the evacuation order in Oroville in 2017?

The evacuation order in Oroville in 2017 was primarily caused by significant damage to the Oroville Dam's spillway. Specifically, a crater developed on the spillway due to erosion, raising concerns about the dam’s integrity and the risk of water spilling over and potentially breaching the structure. The situation became critical as the water level in the reservoir rose dangerously high, and officials worried that the damaged spillway might fail, which could lead to catastrophic flooding downstream. This prompted the authorities to issue evacuation orders to ensure the safety of residents living in areas that could be affected by potential flooding.

This incident highlighted the importance of dam maintenance and the potential consequences of infrastructure failure, particularly in regions prone to heavy rainfall and flooding, as was the case during that period.