I agree that there may be too many political concerns rather than reason and logic applied here. My father and step-mother have lived in Cherokee (a few miles from James siding) on the back side of the lake and well above it, so they aren't in any danger. But I do feel that ALL the towns downstream (Oroville, Yuba City, Marysville, etc.) should be concerned. ANY dam, once it hits full pool, is no longer viable for flood control. Whatever water comes in will sooner or later go over the emergency spillway. When this is all over, what do you want to bet the only ones held responsible will get either a strongly worded letter buried in their file or retie early with a buyout? In all fairness, this is approaching the "perfect storm" category of rain, snow and (unexpected?) failures. One has to wonder since it's been around 20 years since the levee system was really tested, that there won't be some breaches due to unexpected weaknesses?

Just for laughs, from almost a year ago: “Until this lake hits 900 feet, which is the full elevation, and until Shasta hits 1067, I’m not going to be completely happy because that means mismanagement of water supply.” http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2016/04/12/california-congressman-questions-state-water-releases-at-lake-oroville-shasta-dam/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5Ej2ClalYk