Changing Lake Levels

Lake levels are changing. Your adventure isn't. Diverse opportunities for motorized boating and other water-based recreation remains accessible year-round at Lake Mead NRA.

Declining water levels in Lake Mead, caused by climate change and an unprecedented 20-year drought, have reshaped the park's shorelines. As the lake continues to recede, impacts to park infrastructure, marina operations, landscapes, and visitor services have become increasingly challenging to manage.

The NPS is implementing a November 2023 approved sustainable lake accessibility plan to maintain motorized recreational boating access and associated amenities at five key launch ramps on Lake Mead. This "Low Water Plan" received extensive and valuable public input on how to provide lake access down to approximately 1,000 feet as feasible for a safe, responsible, and enjoyable park experience for all visitors.
Lake levels fluctuate regularly and it is the vessel operator's responsibility to know current lake levels, launch ramp conditions, and to exercise caution when launching or retrieving vessels at these ramps. The topography, recreational services, and concession amenities at each ramp are unique, so each location has an individualized plan to maintain access onto Lake Mead.
Learn more about this planning effort.

Lake Mead Current Water Level

There are many ways to explore and enjoy Lake Mead as water levels and shorelines change. Check current lake levels to properly plan ahead and prepare for your visit and learn more about boating safety to make every trip to Lake Mead a safe and memorable one.

Learn more about lake level information at the Bureau of Reclamation's Lower Colorado River Operations. The Bureau of Reclamation provides more information about the Lower Colorado River Basin and the operations of Hoover Dam, including the 24-month predictions.

Lake Mead Elevation

Lake Mead Launch Ramps and Services

Location	Houseboats	Motorized Vessels	Non- motorized Vessels	Minimum Safe Elevation	More Information
Callville Bay	Open	Open	Open	1,065 feet	Open via concession managed “Mobi Mat.”
Echo Bay	Closed	Open	Open	1,035 feet	Ramp is under going construction to extend the minimum safe elevation for the remainder of 2026.
Hemenway Harbor	Open	Open	Open	1,030 feet via pipe mat	4 lanes available.
Temple Bar	Open	Open	Open	950 feet	Open via concession managed “Mobi Mat.”
South Cove	Closed	Open	Open	1,035 feet via primitive ramp	The South Cove concrete launch ramp is closed due to low water levels. A primitive ramp located .25-mi south via a park approved road is available for launching
Boulder Harbor	Closed	Closed	Closed	---	The harbor became too shallow and the ramp was closed in 2021.
Government Wash	Closed	Closed	Closed	---	The concrete ramp closed in 2001. A primitive ramp for non-motorized vessels is available for day use.
Las Vegas Bay	Closed	Closed	Closed	---	Declining water levels rendered the marina inoperable, resulting in its closure and relocation to Hemenway Harbor in October 2002.
Overton Beach	Closed	Closed	Closed	---	Due to declining water levels, portions of the marina were moved to Callville Bay Marina and Temple Bar Marina in February 2007 before the ramp closed in April 2009.

Lake Mohave Current Water Level

Lake Mohave Elevation

Lake Mohave Launch Ramps and Services

Location	Houseboats	Motorized Vessels	Non- motorized Vessels	More Information
Cabinsite Cove		Open	Open	1 lane on sand. 4WD recommended.
Cottonwood Cove	Concession rental on water available	Open	Open	6 lanes on concrete / 2 docks.
Katherine Landing	Concession rental on water available	Open	Open	8 lanes on concrete.
North Arizona Telephone Cove		Open	Open	1 lane on sand. 4WD recommended
Princess Cove		Open	Open	6 lanes on concrete.
Willow Beach		Open	Open	3 lanes on concrete.