Release Date: March 14, 2023

Welcome to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area bi-weekly operations update. Spring is here, events are happening, and many of our concessionaires are re-opening facilities that have been closed for the season! These updates are intended to help LAKE staff, partners, and the public navigate changes, events, and closures that might impact their activities.

Lake Mohave Wildfire Training Scooper Flights

On weekdays between 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March 3-27 wildland fire training flights will be conducted on Lake Mohave. Pilots are being trained to fly a Canadair CL-215T, scooping approximately 1400 gallons of water per scoop to drop onto BLM land. Pilots are trained to avoid watercraft, but please be proactive when boating in the middle of the lake this month. Make sure your watercraft are clearly visible and/or stay near the shore.

Road Work 

Looking Ahead: (Dates and times are approximate and may be adjusted due to inclement weather, staff, or mechanical issues.)

Please be prepared for delays and drive with caution in the presence of road crews.

• Crews will continue grading Cottonwood Cove and Cottonwood Cove East roads.  
• Crews will start grading Temple Bar roads on approximately March 14.   
• Grading is occurring on the north side of the lake from Echo Bay down Northshore, including Callville Bay area roads. 

Completed:

• Katherine Landing roads have been completed. 

Marinas/Ramps/Harbors 

Looking Ahead: (Dates and times are approximate and may be adjusted due to inclement weather, staff, or mechanical issues.)

• No closures are currently planned for Hemenway Harbor boat ramp or any of the boat ramps on Lake Mohave.
• Ongoing construction continues at Hemenway Harbor. Exercise caution when operating vehicles and launching and retrieving vessels along the ramp and throughout the parking area.

Concessionaires 

(Listed alphabetically)

• Callville Bay Marina – Callville Bay Marina has installed a portable Mobi-Mat for boat launching which is being managed by the marina. It is currently recommended to launch boats smaller than 40’. Please contact the marina at 702-565-8958 for more information. Fuel and the store on the water are open seven days per week from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. The above-ground fuel tank has been moved to the floating fuel dock. The land store and lounge are temporarily closed. The restrooms and showers are open for the temporary RV customers. Callville Bay is currently moving the marina once per week on Tuesdays (weather permitting).
• Cottonwood Cove – The Cottonwood Cove Cafe will be closed until April 1, 2023.
• Desert Princess, Hemenway Harbor – The Desert Princess, run by Lake Mead Cruises, re-opens for the season on March 15, 2023.
• Echo Bay – The office, store, and gas station are open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.  They are temporarily closed on Sundays and Mondays (estimated at least until mid-March).  The recreation center, bathrooms, showers, and laundry room in the Echo Bay RV Park are open 24/7 for our guests.
• Katherine Landing – The fuel dock and restaurant are closed until approximately the end of March when the fuel dock project is complete. Land-based fuel is available. The store is open daily 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Las Vegas Boat Harbor/Lake Mead Marina Restaurants – During regular business hours the marina will continue to only have one restaurant open at a time. Please contact the marinas ahead of time for a schedule. Las Vegas Boat Harbor: 702-293-1191; Lake Mead Marina: 702-293-3484.
• Temple Bar Marina – Temple Bar has installed a portable Mobi-Mat for boat launching which is being managed by the marina. It is currently recommended to launch boats smaller than 40’. Please contact 928-767-3211 with any questions. Regular hours for the fuel dock are from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. The store is open daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The motel is now open for the season and the restaurant and bar will re-open May 15, 2023.
• Willow Beach Marina – The Black Canyon Grill is now open on Friday – Sunday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. The store and marina are open 7 days per week from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Black Canyon Adventures began rafting tours on March 1, 2023.

Events

These are larger events occurring within the next month that may impact crowds and slow access to these areas.

• 03/17 (Friday)
  • Historic Railroad Trail/River Mountains Loop Trail – Running Race
• 03/18 (Saturday)
  • Cottonwood Cove – Fishing Tournament
  • Historic Railroad Trail/River Mountains Loop Trail – Running Race
• 03/19 (Sunday)
  • Cottonwood Cove – Fishing Tournament
• 03/24 (Friday)
  • White Owl Canyon Trail – Group hike
• 03/25 (Saturday)
  • Boulder Beach Amphitheater – Wedding
  • Willow Beach – Fishing Tournament
• 03/31 (Friday)
  • 6-Mile Cove – Sailboat Race
• 04/01 (Saturday)
  • Cottonwood Cove – Fishing Tournament
  • 6-Mile Cove – Sailboat Race
• 04/02 (Sunday)
  • Lake Mead Marina – Fishing Tournament
  • Willow Beach – Fishing Tournament
  • 6-Mile Cove – Sailboat Race

Water Levels 

• As of Tuesday (03/14), the current water elevation at Lake Mead is: 1045.93’
• Current water levels can be found at the Bureau of Reclamation website.
• The BOR 24-month most probable projection for end of the year 2023 (based on February 2023 data) is 1,033.42’.

Muddy Shorelines 

• Be wary of the wet silt/mud in newly exposed shorelines.
• If you see a vehicle or animal trapped in the mud, please contact the non-emergency dispatch number with the location 702-293-8998. We will send out trained staff to help.
• If there is an emergency, call the Lake Mead emergency dispatch number: 702-293-8932. This is quicker than calling 911, as 911 will route you to this number.