LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Lake Mead hit its all-time low water level three years ago: 1040 feet.
Right now, the lake is about 18 feet higher, but water levels are projected to drop throughout the summer, and the lake could reach that record low level once again according to the Bureau of Reclamation.
Declining water levels due to climate change and 20 years of ongoing drought have reshaped the park’s shorelines. As Lake Mead continues to recede, the National Park Service is committed to extending boat launch ramps to continue to give the public access to the lake.
One major extension at the lake’s most popular launch site is soon set to begin.
“There’s nothing better than being with your friends, your family, listening to music. Just jamming down the lake and yeah, it’s a great time,” contended boater Favian Duarte.
“We come out here as much as we can. If we have an open weekend, we’re out here on the lake,” Duarte added.
Due to the low water level, Duarte says launching his boat can be challenge.
“It’s a little tricky launching your boat. You got to get pretty far out with your vehicle. My brother-in-law helped us launch a couple weeks ago and the inside of his vehicle got wet… that’s just how low it is,” Duarte explained.
The National Park Service says as Colorado River Basin water levels are anticipated to fluctuate over the next several years. NPS must be prepared to adjust and respond if water levels decline past record lows to roughly 1,000 feet.
Starting June 2, 2025, the launch ramp at Hemenway Harbor will be extended down to approximately 1,000 feet to maintain recreational opportunities and concessions services.
“Totally understand why they’re doing it over the long term. My only frustration, I think everyone else is frustration on the internet, has been why did you choose to do it in the beginning of June?,” Duarte wondered.
“Oh my gosh, what’s that going to do to the congestion? I mean, already this week, you can see the boats and the trucks lined up,” questioned boater Mathias Cox.
Cox remembers when the lake looked much different. “I’ve been boating on Lake Mead since the late 70s… When the water levels were up, it was a really thriving boating community out here… We used to do houseboat trips, and the houseboats would be even with all the channel buoys that are currently at the white water line, which is 100 feet up now,” Cox recounted.
Cox says he now comes to Hemenway Harbor to launch as it has previously been extended as the water has receded.
“We used to go to Callville Bay almost exclusively, and then they started like getting not enough concrete… they’re starting to launch on the mud, and they put down the piping and pulling the boat out of the of the trailer… on the piping makes it tough and slippery and you’ll see guys sliding backwards,” Cox shared.
The National Park Service does update the status of launch ramps around the lake on its website (Alerts & Conditions – Lake Mead National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service).
Currently, Hemenway Harbor has four lanes but only for shallow-hulled boats not exceeding 24′ in length. Echo Bay, Callville Bay, and Temple Bar are all listed as operable.
The South Cove launch ramp is inoperable due to low water levels.
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