Dam gates were opened in California to release excess water for flood control.

Authorities from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) began required releases from Oroville Dam's main spillway on January 5.

Dramatic footage shows powerful flows of water surging from the dam as the barriers are opened.

A statement from the DWR said: 'Between mid-September and May, DWR is required to operate Lake Oroville for flood control under federal Water Control Manual Guidelines set by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

'These federal regulations establish a set storage space that is reserved to capture inflows from rain and future snowmelt, while protecting downstream communities from damaging flood events through coordinated releases.'

Officials said some of the released water was captured downstream for beneficial use by local landowners, communities, and the State Water Project, supporting agricultural and municipal needs.

The DWR said it continues to monitor conditions closely to balance flood protection with water management across the state.

Oroville Dam, located on the Feather River in Northern California, is the tallest dam in the United States at 770ft. Completed in 1968, it serves multiple purposes, including flood control, water supply, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation.