NPS AND LAKE MEAD ATTRACTIONS ADJUST TO REDUCED LAKE LEVELS
LAS VEGAS - National Park Service and its concessionaires will be responding to reduced water levels at Lake Mead this summer. At least two marinas will be temporarily closing to adjust to the new level. The park service will keep launch ramps open with temporary extensions.
"The major impact our visitors summer will be at the launch ramps. However we have contingency plans in place for temporary extensions using metal pipe mats. Funding from entrance fees and the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act will be used to construct permanent ramp extensions," said Andrew Muñoz, spokesman for Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Lake Mead attractions will be open all summer. Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a popular summer destination for boating, swimming, and SCUBA diving.
By July, the lake level will be about 14-feet below last year’s lowest point according to Bureau of Reclamation projections. Boaters should be cautious as new navigational obstructions and reefs emerge.
The park service recommends that beach going visitors wear foot protection. Quagga mussels once underwater are now on shore and their shells are sharp and can cut bare feet.
This year Lake Mead National Recreation Area estimates that it will cost it about $10 million plus an additional $1 million by its concessionaires to adjust services to the new lake level.
For more about Lake Mead attractions visit http://www.FunOnTheLake.com. Current conditions at Lake Mead and Lake Mohave are available on the park web site at https://www.nps.gov/lame, click on "Current Launch Ramp and Road Conditions."
SCHEDULED MARINA CLOSURES
Echo Bay Marina: Apr. 23-May 1
Marina store and fuel dock will be closed. Small boat and houseboat rental by reservation only (no walk-ins), access to the marina will be by shuttle boat only and no overnight occupancy in the marina will be permitted. All land based services (RV park, motel, restaurant, store, and fuel) will remain open.
Temple Bar Marina: To be determined.
-NPS-
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
