BOULDER CITY, Nev. – Boaters planning to head out to Lake Mead for some water fun should beware: Historically low water levels could affect your access to certain locations.
The Lake Mead National Recreation Area released information Monday advising visitors to be aware of changes to water access points and boat launch areas on Lake Mead this year due to declining water levels, which is expected to last through the summer.
According to the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) forecasts for 2021 and 2022, Lake Mead water levels will drop even more.
The following launch ramps will be impacted as early as late May 2021:
- Boulder Harbor
- Hemenway Harbor
- Temple Bar
- Callville Bay
- Echo Bay
- South Cove
The elevation of Lake Mead is about 145 feet lower since the onset of the 20-year historic drought, including the last ten years of extreme drought reflecting the effects of a changing climate in the Colorado River basin.
In late May 2021, water levels are expected to reach 1075 feet and below. Lake Mead plans to temporarily extend launch ramps in most impacted locations using pipe mats while they figure out a long-term solution to implement. Boaters should check the status of their preferred launch destinations before heading to the lake. The latest information on current boat launch, and marina facilities can be found at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Between 2002 and 2021, the National Park Service has closed some lake access points and invested tens of millions at other locations to extend launch ramps, parking facilities, water systems, electrical systems, docking facilities, navigational aids, shoreline access, sanitation facilities, and many other facilities to accommodate lowering lake levels.
Lake Mead is America’s first National Recreation Area and offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, scenic driving, and more.
