Current Lake Levels
(as of September 19, 2016)
Lake Mead elevation is around 1,075 feet.
Lake Mohave elevation is around 641 feet*.
*The Bureau of Reclamation's Lower Colorado Region is lowering water levels
in Lake Mohave to aid in harvesting razorback suckers, a species native to the Colorado River, from
lakeside rearing ponds. The work is part of annual river operations which is timed to coincide with
conservation activities for the endangered fish. Lake Mohave will steadily lower from
its Sept. 14 elevation of 642 feet above mean sea level (msl) to an elevation of about 635 feet msl
by the week of Oct. 24. Water levels will begin rising again by early November as the conservation work is finished.
Lake Mead Ramp Status
Boulder
Harbor - Six lanes open for any size vessel on concrete ramp. The channel
exiting the harbor is five to eight feet deep. Hazards have been marked just
outside the harbor. Please use caution.
Hemenway
Harbor - Two lanes open for any size vessel on pipe mat.
Callville
Bay - Two lanes open for any size vessel on pipe mat and concrete planks.
Temple
Bar –Two lanes open for any size vessel on pipe mat. Four-wheel-drive
recommended.
Echo Bay
- One lane open for any size vessel on pipe mat. One lane open for small craft
only on pipe mat.
South
Cove - One lane open for any size vessel on pipe mat. Four-wheel-drive
recommended.
- Las Vegas Bay (closed 2001)
- Government Wash (closed 2003)
- Overton Beach (closed 2010)
Lake Mohave Ramp Status
All launch ramps are open in excellent condition.
Weather
Get current water temperatures, wind speeds, wave heights and more by clicking on the below links and then clicking on the observations tab.
Lake Mead
Lake Mohave
If a monsoon develops, which can happen rapidly, those on the water should find a sheltered cove or shore. Launch ramps become crowded after storms arrive. It’s also wise to write down current GPS coordinates, so rescue crews can locate you more quickly. If flash flooding occurs on land, visitors should seek high ground.
Fireworks and Campfires
No fireworks are allowed within Lake Mead National Recreation, not even sparklers. Wood and charcoal fires are allowed in grills at developed picnic areas or campgrounds and at shorelines 100 feet from vegetation, unless marked with a no campfire sign.
Alcohol
The consumption or direct possession of an alcoholic beverage by a person operating a vehicle or vessel is prohibited.
Notice to Mariners
Due to fluctuating water levels the following structures have changed. To report a notice to mariners, call 702-293-8778.
Upper Boulder Basin Narrows Light #18
Previously located at
North 36 degrees 09' 02"
West 114 degrees 34' 11"
Now a buoy located at
North 36 degrees 09' 05"
West 114 degrees 34' 17"
This red conical shaped buoy will display the number 18 and during times of darkness show a red light and display a flash sequence. The light is on for 0.3 seconds then off for 0.7 seconds after which the sequence is repeated.
Rams Head Island Buoy #8A
a red-lighted buoy has been established at
North 36 degrees 16' 00"
West -114 degrees 24' 29"
This conical shaped, red buoy will show a red light and display a "Quick Flash" sequence. The light is on for 0.4 seconds then off for 0.6 seconds after which the sequence is repeated.
Delmar Butte Light #33
previously located at:
North 36 degrees 03' 37"
West -114 degrees 17' 23"
is now a green lighted buoy located at:
North 36 degrees 03' 28"
West -114 degrees 17' 46"
This can shaped green buoy will show a green light and display a "Flash Four" sequence. The light is on for 0.3 seconds then off for 0.7 seconds after which the sequence is repeated.
South Cove Light #4
previously located at:
North 36 degrees 05’ 17”
West -114 degrees 06’ 10”
Is now a red lighted buoy located at:
North 36 degrees 05’ 18”
West -114 degrees 06’ 46”
This conical shaped red buoy will show a red light and display a “Flash Four” sequence. The light is on for 0.3 seconds then off for 0.7 seconds after which the sequence is repeated.
South Boulder Island Red Light #2
previously located at:
North 36 degrees 02 minutes 05 seconds
West -114 degrees 45 minutes 38 seconds
replaced in the form of a buoy located at:
North 36 degrees 02 minutes 08 seconds
West -114 degrees 45 minutes 09 seconds
South Boulder Island Buoy #2 will be a red conical shaped buoy showing a red light and displaying a “Flash Four” sequence. The light is on for 0.4 seconds then off for 3.6 seconds after which the sequence is repeated.
Black Ridge Shore Light #19
previously located at:
North 36 degrees 23 minutes 13 seconds
West -114 degrees 22 minutes 34 seconds
has been relocated as a buoy located at:
North 36 degrees 22 minutes 27 seconds
West -114 degrees 22 minutes 23 seconds
This green can shaped buoy #19 will show a “Flash” sequence. There will be a green light flashing on for 0.4 seconds and off for 3.6 seconds after which the sequence will repeat.
Water Safety Tips
Treat every visit to Lake Mead as if it's your first. Be cautious because you will be in unfamiliar water as hazards become exposed due to changing water levels. Go slow when near points, islands, shorelines or reef areas.
Lake Mohave often experiences high water levels during the summer months, reducing available beach areas. Please be courteous to other visitors to enhance everyone’s recreation experience.
Because lake conditions can change in an instant, Lake Mead NRA recommends wearing a life jacket while swimming.
Quagga mussels and other debris exposed by lowering water levels can be sharp. Lake Mead NRA recommends wearing shoes at the beaches.
Take care when parking and walking along shoreline areas. Some areas may have deep mud.
Cliff jumping at Lake Mead NRA is highly discouraged because it is inherently dangerous due to fluctuating lake levels, uneven canyon walls and unseen submerged objects.
