Current Conditions at Lake Mead & Lake Mohave

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, extending launch ramps becomes more difficult and more expensive due to the topography and projected decline in water levels. Lake Mead National Recreation Area encourages visitors to plan ahead and stay informed by checking current conditions and alerts.

Current Daily Water Levels for Lake Mead and Lake Mohave (Bureau of Reclamation)

Frequently Asked Questions

Launch Ramp Status

Lake levels change regularly. Launching is at your own risk. Be prepared for longer wait times for launching and recovery. Always check your surroundings before launching. Ongoing maintenance and construction at ramps may require temporary closures. Check Twitter for additional updates (account not required to view).

Lake Mead Ramp Status

• Hemenway Harbor - Open - Two lanes on pipemat, only shallow-hulled boats not exceeding 24' in length.
• Callville Bay -
  • Open - Concessionaire launch ramp operations
  • Closed - NPS facilities
• Echo Bay - Closed due to low water levels.
• Boulder Harbor - Closed due to low water levels.
• Temple Bar -
  • Open - Concessionaire launch ramp operations
  • Closed - NPS facilities
• South Cove - Closed due to low water levels. Launching is available off the dirt road south of the launch ramp. Four-wheel-drive is recommended.

Lake Mohave Ramp Status

Lake Mohave water levels will be low between October 2022 and January 2023 due to the annual scheduled draw-down. Boaters are urged to use caution as hazards may shift or appear in areas that were previously passable. Motorized boat operations may be impossible north of White Rock Canyon when Lake Mohave is at its lowest levels (approximately 633') for two weeks in mid-to-end October.

• Willow Beach - 2 lanes on concrete.
• Cottonwood Cove - 2 lanes on concrete.
• Katherine Landing - 2 lanes on concrete.
• North Arizona Telephone Cove - 1 lane on sand. Four-wheel-drive is recommended.
• Cabinsite Cove - 1 lane on sand. Four-wheel-drive is recommended.
• Princess Cove - 1 lane on concrete.

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.

Water Safety Tips

• Due to fluctuating water levels, navigational structures have changed. Visit Notice to Mariners for more information. To report a notice to mariners, call 702-293-8778.

• The consumption or direct possession of an alcoholic beverage by a person operating a vehicle or vessel is prohibited.
• 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.