The Lake Mead National Recreation Area is preparing to welcome visitors for the 2022 boating season.
Officials are encouraging everyone to check for potential changes to boat launch ramp access before heading out to the lake.
Highest congestion at launch ramps typically occurs on weekends, according to park officials, so weekday visits are encouraged when possible to enjoy the lake with fewer crowds.
The NPS and interagency partners are keeping an eye on water levels in Lake Mead as they continue to fluctuate and shrink. The current water elevation forecast for the end of March is 1,063 feet. The projection for the end of July this year is 1,046 feet.
Launch ramp access this summer, according to Lake Mead officials:
- Callville Bay launch ramp is open on one lane of pipe mat and will likely close in April 2022 or when the lake level drops below 1,062 feet elevation.
- Previous Bureau of Recreation projections anticipated this lake level drop happening in May, but the most recent projections suggest it will occur sooner.
- Hemenway Harbor will operate on one lane of concrete; pipe mat extension will be installed at 1,064 feet elevation.
- Echo Bay will operate on two lanes of concrete; one lane of pipe mat extension will be installed at 1,060 feet elevation.
- Launch ramps at Temple Bar and Boulder Harbor will remain closed. South Cove’s launch ramp is closed, but primitive launching is still available approximately 0.5 mile to the south of the concrete launch ramp.
- Launch ramp access on Lake Mohave will remain stable. However, boaters should expect higher congestion at these locations.
The Park Service has more information about launch ramp conditions at their Lake Mead website.
