LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — NASA has published new photographs taken from space of the drastic water loss seen at Lake Mead over the last 22 years.

The natural-color images above were acquired on July 6, 2000, and July 3, 2022, by Landsat 7 and Landsat 8. The detailed images below also include a view from Landsat 8 on July 8, 2021 (middle). 

Lake Mead July 6, 2000 – July 3, 2022 (NASA)

Lake Mead and much of the Colorado River basin have been experiencing a 22-year drought. As of July 19, 2022, the water elevation at the Hoover Dam was 1040.99 feet above sea level; the water elevation at the end of July 2000 (around the time of the Landsat 7 image above) was 1199.97 feet.

Lake Mead July 6, 2000 (Left) – July 3, 2022 (Right)

Above Lake Mead, Lake Powell is currently filled to just 27% of capacity, and the entire Colorado river system stands at 35%.

Click the image below to see a higher resolution photograph.

  • Lake Mead – July 3, 2022 (NASA)
Lake Mead water level – elevation above sea level – December 1, 2000 – 2022 (NASA)

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