News Release

Dangerous Impacts to Lake Mead National Recreation Area Expected from Hurricane Hilary

Date: August 18, 2023

BOULDER CITY, Nev. – The National Weather Service is predicting dangerous impacts to the local area from Hurricane Hilary, which is projected to move in over the weekend and into next week. 

Lake Mead National Recreation Area leadership is keeping the health and safety of the community in the forefront as the storm moves in. Officials urge people to avoid the park if they can during the storm. Park staff are also taking actions to limit exposure of anyone from the potentially deadly flooding, high winds, and other hazards, as well as warning the community to always keep safety in mind. 

“My goal is to have no injuries or fatalities at the park this weekend,” said Mike Gauthier, Acting Superintendent. “We will be closing major at-risk areas, as well as doing everything we can to protect our visitors and employees.” 

As of 9 am, Saturday, the following locations will be closed to recreation until they are deemed safe to reopen: Temple Bar, Cottonwood Cove, Cottonwood Cove East, Nevada Telephone Cove, Christmas Tree Pass, Willow Beach and Eldorado Canyon. Other locations may also close as conditions warrant. 

The park is providing the latest information to the public on updated conditions via social media and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Current Conditions web page. 

NPS officials also urge everyone to stay plugged into the National Weather Service sites for Lake Mead and Lake Mohave for the latest storm updates at the park, and use extreme caution if you are traveling anywhere in the area this weekend. 

- NPS -

Lake Mead National Recreation Area, just minutes from Las Vegas, offers Joshua trees, slot canyons and night skies illuminated by the Milky Way. The park’s rocks are as red as fire and the mountains are purple majesties. Lake Mead is the country’s first and largest national recreation area and among the top ten most visited national parks in the country. Follow us at www.nps.gov/lake or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.