FOURTH OF JULY CONDITIONS, EVENTS AT LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
BOULDER CITY, Nev. - Park rangers are anticipating more than 100,000 visitors at Lake Mead National Recreation Area this 4th of July weekend. Here are the latest launch ramp conditions, safety tips and weekend events.
LAUNCH RAMP CONDITIONS
At Lake Mohave, all launch ramps are operating as normal.
At Lake Mead, water elevation is around 1,082 feet. Boaters are reminded to be cautious of shallow areas and new hazards that may have surfaced. Those who notice hazards that haven’t been marked should report the hazard location by calling 702-293-8778.
Due to lower lake levels, all launch ramps except for Boulder Harbor, are launching on pipe mat or concrete planks. There are some uneven surfaces and cracks. Shoes are advised.
* Hemenway Harbor: 2 lanes, launching on pipe mat.
* Boulder Harbor: 6 lanes, good launching on concrete ramp. Wakeless zone until exit of harbor.
* Callville Bay: 4 lanes (2 on pipe mat, 2 on concrete planks). Parking is now available at the main ramp.
* Echo Bay: 4 lanes, launching on concrete planks.
* Temple Bar: 2 lanes, launching on pipe mat.
* South Cove, 1 lane launching on pipe mat. Parking is now available closer to the water.
Because water levels have dropped so quickly, beaches are muddier than usual. Clumps of quagga mussels are also present at beaches and on rocks. Their shells can be sharp, so shoes are advised for people and pets.
SAFETY TIPS
Fireworks and Campfires
No fireworks are allowed within Lake Mead National Recreation, not even sparklers. Wood and charcoal fires are allowed in grills at developed picnic areas or campgrounds and at shorelines 100 feet from vegetation.
Alcohol
The consumption or direct possession of an alcoholic beverage by a person operating a vehicle or vessel is prohibited.
Weather
Temperatures are forecast to be above 100 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the weekend with a chance of showers. 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.
Life jackets
Life jackets save lives. Because lake conditions can change in an instant, rangers recommend always wearing a life jacket while swimming.
WEEKEND EVENTS
4th of July Parade
National Park Service rangers and Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife employees are teaming up to parade through Boulder City at 9 a.m. July 4th during the annual Damboree Celebration “Wings of Freedom." Come out to view law enforcement vehicles and vessels, fire vehicles, the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership mobile exhibit and a fish tank.
A Star Spangled Sky
Join Ranger Ben 8 p.m. July 5 for an overview of the night sky at the Boulder Beach Picnic Area at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Learn about the phases of the moon and the motions of planets and constellations as they change throughout the seasons.
-NPS-
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
