As the summer boating season comes to a close, the National Park Service has announced the following updates to conditions and activities at Lakes Mead, Powell, and Mohave. Please note that dates may change due to inclement weather or other scheduling impacts.
EVENTS: The following events will take place at the locations noted.
- Saturday, October 1: Triathlon at Boulder Beach
- Saturday, October 8: Fishing Tournament at Cottonwood Cove
- Monday, October 10 thru Thursday October 13: Fishing Tournament at Cottonwood Cove
MARINAS / BOAT RAMPS / HARBORS: Take note of the following operations at the locations noted.
- Hemenway Harbor: The boat ramp is being extended to allow boating operations dow to a water level of 1037 feet. This work will continue into Spring 2023. The two lanes on pipe mat will remain open through most of the construction with occasional short-term closures as needed. Plan ahead for potential delays. Follow the NPS social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) and the Launch Ramp Conditions page (HERE) for the latest information.
- Hemenway Harbor: Wednesday, September 28 thru Saturday, October 1, single lane closures will occur and the pipe mat boat ramp to accommodate the construction of the new ramp constructions. Be prepared for delays.
- Willow Beach Ramp: Monday, October 24 thru Friday, October 28, the ramp will be closed during the annual Lake Mohave draw-down to dredge and removed sediment to improve boater access. No boats will be able to enter or exit during this closure.
OTHER CLOSURES / ISSUES OF NOTE: The following information may be of interest.
- Arizona Hot Springs: Monday, September 26 to Wednesday, September 28 the area will be closed to install a new ladder.
ANNUAL LAKE MOHAVE DRAW-DOWN: Previously scheduled activity is ongoing.
The annual Lake Mohave draw-down began a couple weeks ago and will continue thru the end of October with a return to normal lake levels in January 2023, weather permitting. The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) lowers the water levels every fall to improve the habitat and spawning cycle for two endangered fish species: the Humpback Chub and Razorback Sucker. This annual process is in no way related to declining water levels on Lake Mead and Lake Powell.
Boaters are urged to use caution when operating on Lake Mohave as hazards may shift or appear in areas that were previously passable. Motorized boat operations may be impossible north of White Rock Canyon during this period. Visitors should also take caution to stay back from the waterline to avoid being trapped in the newly exposed mud. Refer to the information below if people, animals, or vehicles become stuck. Also refer to the Launch Ramp Conditions page (HERE) for current ramp status.
CONCESSIONAIRES: Notes about concessionaires on Lake Mead.
Both Lake Mead Marina and Las Vegas Boat Harbor will only have one restaurant open at a time. Please contact the marinas ahead of time for the schedule at each location. Lake Mead Marina can be reached at (702) 262-8464. Las Vegas Boat Harbor can be reached at (702) 293-1191.
MUDDY SHORELINES: Emergency contact information for animals/wildlife, people, or vehicles trapped by mud is below.
Be aware of wet silt and muddy shorelines, primarily at Lake Mead, but also at Lake Mohave during the draw-down. Exposed shorelines can be dangerous to navigate so keep this information handy.
- ANIMALS / WILDLIFE: If you see an animal trapped in the mud, please contact the non-emergency dispatch number with the location of the animal at (702) 293-8998. Trained staff will be sent to assist..
- VEHICLES: Contact Southern Nevada Off Road Recovery (SNORR) with location at (702) 706-2330 or via Facebook Messenger at @snorr702.
- PEOPLE AND OTHER EMERGENCIES: If a person is stuck in the mud or there is another emergency situation call the Lake Mead emergency dispatch number at (702) 293-8932. This number is to be used in emergencies only.
Have a fun and safe time enjoying the beauty of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
