Lake Mead Plans Major Change Amid Declining Water Levels
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The National Park Service (NPS) will begin a major construction project at Lake Mead's most active boat launch in summer 2025, extending the Hemenway Harbor ramp to maintain access amid declining water levels.
Why It Matters
Hemenway Harbor is the most popular and heavily used launch ramp in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, situated near the Las Vegas metro area.
With Lake Mead's water levels in long-term decline, this construction is aimed at preserving lake access for motorized boating and other visitor services. NPS noted the work "supports the facilities, operations, and marina services necessary to maintain lake access and other water-based recreation opportunities."
What To Know
According to a May 7 announcement, phase one of the project will begin June 2. It aims to extend the launch ramp to an elevation of approximately 1,000 feet, ensuring that boating access can continue, should lake levels decline.
Hemenway Harbor boat launch and marina map showing the construction area and boat traffic flow.
Hemenway Harbor boat launch and marina map showing the construction area and boat traffic flow.
Google Earth/NPS
"Colorado River Basin water levels are anticipated to fluctuate over the next several years and current projections indicate motorized boating on Lake Mead will be sufficiently managed through at least 2026," the NPS said in a release.
"However, the NPS must be prepared to adjust and respond if water levels decline to roughly 1,000 feet."
The ramp extension project will temporarily reduce access during busy summer months. Hemenway Harbor will remain operational, but its launch lanes will be reduced to one, and the courtesy docks will be halved. Construction staging areas will also restrict some shoreline and parking space. Visitors can expect longer wait times, especially on weekends and holidays, the NPS said.
The NPS advises visitors to "plan ahead before traveling to the park" and encourages weekday use to avoid congestion. Fueling services at Las Vegas Boat Harbor will remain open, but boaters are urged to fuel up on land beforehand.
Lake Mead, located on the border of Nevada and Arizona, hit critically low levels during the summer of 2022 following years of drought. However, recent winters with above-average snowfall and precipitation have helped boost its water levels, Newsweek previously reported.
At the time of writing, Lake Mead's water levels were 1,060.95 feet mean sea level, 168.05 feet below its full pool of 1,229, according to Lakes Online, an online resource for lake and reservoir information.
What People Are Saying
Lake Mead National Recreation Area said in a post on Facebook: "Summer weather and lowering water levels provide the best underwater construction opportunities, saving time and construction cost."
It added: "Fueling services on the water at the Las Vegas Boat Harbor will be open during construction, but it is strongly recommended that boaters use land-based fueling options before arriving at the park to avoid marina congestion."
What Happens Next
Construction is expected to continue through summer 2025.
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