News Release

11/7/23 - Lake Mead Officials Share Biweekly Operations Updates

Date: November 7, 2023
Contact: [e-mail]

BOULDER CITY, Nev.–This report informs the public and partners of Lake Mead National Recreation Area of safety concerns, scheduled maintenance, trail closures, concessioner information, and events that may impact the use of park resources over the next two weeks.

Notes for Visitors

• With trails recently opened, law enforcement would like to remind the public not to leave valuables in cars.

• Arizona Hot Springs is closed until further notice due to fecal bacteria contamination. Officials are taking corrective action to improve water quality over the next several days. We will reopen these areas once water quality meets federal and state safety standards. Leave no trace includes garbage and human waste (feces). Encourage others to pack out what is packed into the National Recreation Area. Hiking with an emergency human waste bag is encouraged.

• The Turkey Trot Triathlon is scheduled for November 22-23. 1000 people are expected to participate. Expect delays, and please be patient. Drive like a tortoise.

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Annual Scheduled Lake Mohave Drawdown

• Lake Mohave water levels will rise as the annual draw-down period ends and the Bureau of Reclamation begins winter water operations. Reclamation says the lake’s elevation will be 636 feet by the end of October and gradually rise to nearly 642 feet by January 2024

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Road Work

• Maintenance crews are grading Power Line Road and beaches at 6-mile, 9-mile, and Mid Basin at Cottonwood Cove. Delays are not expected.

• Crews respond to damaged roads from flash flooding as needed. Please be prepared for delays and drive with caution in the presence of road crews.

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Marinas/Ramps/Harbors/Beaches–Dates and times are approximate and may be adjusted due to inclement weather, staff, or mechanical issues. For the most current launch ramp status, check https://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

• Hemenway Harbor currently has two docks and four lanes open. The ADA parking has moved to the dirt parking lot, and no parking is allowed on the ramp. Docks and berms are moved weekly to accommodate water level changes. Be prepared for partial closures. Launch at your own risk.

• Echo Bay is open with two lanes of cement. Launch at your own risk.

• South Cove launching is available off the dirt road south of the launch ramp. Four-wheel-drive recommended. Launch at your own risk.

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Trail and Other Closures–The following park areas and facilities are closed until further notice:

• Arizona Hot Springs Trail

• Arizona Hot Springs

• White Rock Canyon parking lot on Highway 93.

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Concessioners are listed alphabetically

Callville Bay Marina–With elevated water levels, the concrete boat ramp at Callville Bay is currently open and being managed by the marina. The ramp has been widened to include a dirt turn-around area, and a new courtesy dock has been installed at the bottom.

• The Snack Bar on the water is closed for the season. Grab-and-go items are available at the store. The land store and lounge are closed.

Cottonwood Cove–The Cottonwood Cove Cafe is open.

Desert Princess and Hemenway Harbor–Lake Mead Cruises and the Desert Princess operate from March 16 to November 30. Tuesday through Sunday for a lunch cruise. A dinner cruise is available on Saturday evenings, July 1–November 25, at 5:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays.

Echo Bay–Hours of operation for the RV Park Office: Daily 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

• Hours of operation for the Store: Daily 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

• Land Fuel is available daily from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Pay first before trying to pump gas.

Katherine Landing–Off-season operating hours.

• The retail store, fuel dock, and pump-out station are open daily from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

• The No Bad Days Bar and Grill is open Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Mondays, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., and Thursday and Sunday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Las Vegas Boat Harbor and Lake Mead Marina Restaurants–The marina will have only one restaurant open during regular business hours. Contact the marinas for a schedule. Las Vegas Boat Harbor: 702-293-1191; Lake Mead Marina: 702-293-3484.

Temple Bar Marina–Temple Bar has installed a portable Mobi-Mat for boat launching, which is being managed by the marina. It is currently recommended to launch boats smaller than 40’. Please contact 928-767-3211 with any questions.

• Regular hours for the fuel dock are from 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

• The store is open daily from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

• The motel is open, but the restaurant is closed for the season.

Willow Beach Marina–The store and marina are open from 7 a.m.–4 p.m., seven days a week.

• Black Canyon Grill is closed through March 01, 2024

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Events–Larger events may slow access to these areas.

* Indicates a single-day event
(Image Description: A table showing approved permits, respective permit start and end date, and location and number of people expected.)

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Water Levels

 

• Lake Mead's November 7, 7 a.m. water elevation is 1,065.09 feet. · Current water levels can be found on the Bureau of Reclamation website Lower Colorado River Operations | Lower Colorado Region | Bureau of Reclamation (usbr.gov).

• The Bureau of Reclamation's 24-month most probable projection for the end of the year 2023 is 1065.42, based on the September 2023 Operation Plan for Colorado River System Reservoirs.

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Shoreline Safety with Water Level Changes

• With the annual lake drawdown, the Colorado River water level is much lower than at mid-year. Motorboat users are advised to remain downstream of Arizona Hot Spring.

• Be wary of parking vehicles close to the water’s edge. Rising waters may compromise the shoreline's integrity, resulting in potential collapse.