LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Boaters should expect big delays at Lake Mead this summer. Construction began Monday at the most popular boat launch.
The water level is projected to continue to drop to an all-time low possibly by the end of the summer and the Park Service says it must prepare now.
With the bathtub ring around the lake within view showing how high the water once was in Lake Mead, new electronic signs are up at the Hemenway Harbor that read: “LAUNCH RAMP PARTIAL CLOSURE. ALTERNATE RAMP AT PWC. BOATERS EXPECT DELAYS.”
“I had bought a boat then and couldn’t even use it for a year,” shared Bo Swartwout recounting a few years back when the lake was at its record low, only about 16 feet lower than it is today.
“It’s pretty sad, you know. My friend and I were boating just the other day and, in some places,… the old level’s hundreds of feet up,” Swartwout described.
With construction underway, access is now limited to just one launch lane. The plan is to expand the ramp lower into the water as the lake continues to recede and to prepare now for a new record low in the near future.
“It was very muddy, so I brought my neighbors to help me out,” revealed Fernado Garcia. Garcia explained current water levels making launching tricky. Aware of the construction, Garcia choose to launch on a Monday to avoid delays and now plans to keep his boat on the water through the summer.
“I’ve got the last spot at the marina, Las Vegas marina, so were blessed… it wasn’t pretty last year, just in and out. It takes all day,” Gracia stated. Those who will still need to launch question the timing.
“Why did they wait to summer to do it when it is going to be the busiest time of the year? That just doesn’t seem to make any sense to me but any improvement here for the boating I welcome,” Swartwout stated.
The National Park Service who oversees the lake says the summer weather and lowering water level provide the best underwater construction opportunities, saving time and construction cost.
The National Park Service is adding two mobi-mats and an extra courtesy dock at PWC Beach. That’s where all jet skis will now need to launch during construction.
You can learn more about the status of launch ramps around the lake on the Park Service website.
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