Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

Current Conditions

Conditions change rapidly at Lake Mead. Stay up-to-date with the latest information on weather, trail conditions, and launch ramp statuses. 

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.

Hiking Closures

THERE ARE  ACTIVE TRAIL CLOSURES AT THIS TIME.
 

Seasonal trail closures are listed below and are active from May 15 to Sept. 30. These trails include:

Goldstrike Canyon;
White Rock Canyon and Trail;
Arizona Hot Springs and Trail;
Liberty Arch Trail;
Lone Palm Trail;
Sugar Loaf Trail;
Lone Palm and Sugar Loaf areas.

BE AWARE:

Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail - This is a maintained trail without rough terrain. SUMMER: This trail remains open, however plan your hike only for the early morning hours and return to your car before 10 a.m.

 

Launch Ramp Status

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.

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).

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lake Mead
Location	Availability		More Information
	Small Motorized Vessels	Non-Motorized Vessels
Hemenway Harbor	Operable	Operable	Four lanes on concrete, only shallow-hulled boats not exceeding 24' in length.
Callville Bay	Launch at your own risk	Launch at your own risk	Concessionaire launch operation with single lane on Mobi Mat is operable. Under 60' length recommended. There is a new dirt prep lane and turn around area. Please contact the concessionaire directly at 702-565-8958 to inquire about launch ramp status. NPS facilities are inoperable.
Echo Bay	Operable CAUTION	Operable CAUTION	One lane on pipemat. CAUTION: Cones mark the edge of the usable pipemat. The wet sandy area outside of the pipemat along the dock is loose and deep and will result in vehicles getting stuck. Do not move the cones.
Boulder Harbor	Inoperable	Inoperable	Inoperable due to low water levels.
Temple Bar	Launch at your own risk	Launch at your own risk	Concessionaire launch operations on Mobi Mat are operable. Under 40' length recommended. NPS facilities are inoperable. Please contact the concessionaire directly at 928-767-3214 to inquire about launch ramp status.
South Cove	Concrete ramp and floating dock are inoperable Primitive launch ramp is available from the dirt road to the south	Concrete ramp and floating dock are inoperable Primitive launch ramp is available from the dirt road to the south	Concrete ramp is inoperable DANGER: For your safety, do NOT use the floating dock Launching is available off the dirt road south of the launch ramp. Launch at your own risk. Four-wheel-drive recommended.
Lake Mohave
Location	Availability		More Information
	Small Motorized Vessels	Non-Motorized Vessels
Willow Beach	Operable	Operable	3 lanes on concrete.
Cottonwood Cove	Operable	Operable	6 lanes lanes on concrete, 2 docks.
Katherine Landing	Operable	Operable	2 lanes on concrete.
North Arizona Telephone Cove	Operable	Operable	1 lane on sand. Four-wheel-drive recommended.
Cabinsite Cove	Operable	Operable	1 lane on sand. Four-wheel-drive recommended.
Princess Cove	Operable	Operable	1 lane on concrete.