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.

Seasonal Hiking Closure Information

There are no active seasonal trail closures at this time.

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.

Swimmer's Itch

What is Swimmer's Itch?
Swimmer’s Itch is an irritating, yet harmless rash caused by the human body’s allergic reaction to a free-swimming microscopic parasite (cercarial) found in shallow water throughout the world. It typically occurs near shorelines.

How can I help prevent it?

To reduce the risk of developing this condition, briskly towel off immediately upon leaving the water to remove the parasites from your skin. If you have access to spare, uncontaminated water, like melted ice water from a cooler, you can also use this to rinse. Because birds are part of the parasitic cycle, do not feed birds, attracting them to where people swim.

What are the symptoms & treatment?
Symptoms include reddening spots which appear within a few hours. Itching, swelling of the skin, and/or red welts may also develop 10 to 15 hours later. Most cases of Swimmer’s Itch do not require medical attention and Swimmer’s Itch is not contagious. If you have a rash you can get relief by home remedies, such as a baking soda paste, or over-the-counter anti-itch lotion.

Learn more from the CDC: CDC - Cercarial Dermatitis

Practicing Good Hygiene

Many lakes and large bodies of water contain microscopic organisms and bacterias. While it doesn't put humans safety at risk, practicing good hygiene is always recommended when coming into contact at Lakes Mead and Mohave. Here are some tips you can follow:

Wash Your Hands

Per the Center for Diseases Control, Germs spread from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands or touching surfaces or objects that have germs on them. After being in contact with water, it is recommended to follow these five steps:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer

Do not swallow the water

It should go without saying, do not swallow water. Water in large bodies of water may contain human or wildlife bacteria, including your own. While safe to recreate in the water, swallowing it is a no.

Cyanobacteria

Algae growth is a healthy part of a lake’s ecosystem and provides food for many of the smaller fish in the lake. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are a particular type of algae that can grow quickly when temperatures and nutrients are just right and create an algal bloom. This particular type of algae, under certain conditions, can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and pets. Drinking untreated water can lead to stomach illnesses; swimming in water containing these toxins can cause skin irritations. To be safe, you should avoid areas with high levels of algae, avoid green algae growth in shallow coves and watch for any public warnings released about algae in the area. Pets or small children, who may drink the water as they play, are more susceptible to algal toxins; do not allow your pets or small children to play where algae is noticeable.

 

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 Launch at your own risk	Operable Launch at your own risk	Four lanes on concrete, only shallow-hulled boats not exceeding 24' in length
Callville Bay	Operable Launch at your own risk	Operable Launch at your own risk	The low water concrete ramp is currently open.
Echo Bay	Operable Launch at your own risk	Operable Launch at your own risk	Two lanes on concrete.
Boulder Harbor	Inoperable	Inoperable	Inoperable due to low water levels.
Temple Bar	Operable Launch at your own risk	Operable Launch at your own risk	Concessionaire launch operations on Mobi Mat are operable. Under 40' length recommended. NPS facilities are inoperable. Please contact 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. Launch at your own risk.	Concrete ramp and floating dock are inoperable Primitive launch ramp is available from the dirt road to the south. Launch at your own risk.	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 Launch at your own risk	Operable Launch at your own risk	3 lanes on concrete
Cottonwood Cove	Operable Launch at your own risk	Operable Launch at your own risk	6 lanes on concrete
Katherine Landing	Operable Launch at your own risk.	Operable Launch at your own risk.	2 lanes on concrete.
North Arizona Telephone Cove	Operable Launch at your own risk.	Operable Launch at your own risk.	1 lane on sand. Four-wheel-drive recommended.
Cabinsite Cove	Operable Launch at your own risk.	Operable Launch at your own risk.	1 lane on sand. Four-wheel-drive recommended.
Princess Cove	Operable Launch at your own risk.	Operable Launch at your own risk.	1 lane on concrete.