Great News! Lake Mead Water Level Rising And Rising And Rising
In view of the heavy snow that fell in the upper Colorado River Basin over the winter, the Lake Mead water level continues to rise. That is great news for all of us here in Southern Nevada.
Lake Mead Water Level Already Up Three Feet
At this point, the Lake Mead water level has risen approximately three feet since the beginning of July. That’s a praiseworthy update! In fact, the Bureau of Reclamation is making sure they fill the reservoirs at both Lake Powell and Lake Mead. However, they’re filling Lake Mead faster. The Lake Powell refill is leveling off. That’s according to an article by Greg Haas on 8NewsNow.com.
At first, experts and officials predicted that the Lake Mead water level would rise to about 26% of capacity. However, Lake Mead is already 32% full as of 6 a.m. Thursday, July 20th. And, at this time, the water level continues to rise. With this in mind, experts are now predicting a gain of another six feet by September.
Las Vegas Valley Using Less Water Than We Did 20 Years Ago
Equally important to filling up Lake Powell’s and Lake Mead’s reservoirs with the ample snow melt this year is our valley’s conservation efforts. Per Haas’ report, our residents and businesses are using about 26% less water than we used in 2002. Basically, that’s because homes, businesses, and government sites are curtailing the use of grass lawns.
Furthermore, the Nevada legislature has given the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) the power to assess “excessive use” fines. That program began at the beginning of this year. Additionally, in 2027, a law goes into effect which will prohibit the watering of “nonfunctional” grass. Obviously, government officials are counting on these measures to effectively curtail water use even more.
With all this good news, it is still important to remember that Lake Mead’s water level will still be lower than it was just two years ago. As an illustration, the water level was at 1067.8 feet on August 11, 2021. That is when a federal water shortage was declared. By comparison, if the Lake Mead water level rises a predicted total of nine feet by September, it will measure 1065.59 feet.
10 Fun Things to Do at the Lake
Swimming in the cool waters
I grew up a swimmer, but some lakes are just too cold for my taste. That said, many people love a refreshing dip into crisp, cold water at their local lake. Just check temperatures before you jump in, because if it’s too early in the season, those temperatures could be dangerously cold.
Little kid swimming in the lake. Getty Images.
Camping near the shoreline
Water often attracts special wildlife that you won’t find anywhere else. That makes camping near a lake a very special experience and different from the typical campground. When you’re camping, make sure you check out the nature that blossoms around the lakes and wetlands, too.
Campsite with orange tent. Getty Images.
Fishing
When I was a little kid, I wanted to go fishing. My dad was not a fisherman by any means and was pretty clueless about it. So, he had a friend of his take us fishing, and it was so fun, even though I didn’t catch anything. That said, fishing is a great summer activity on the lake.
Father and son fishing on boat. Getty Images.
Paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing
If you’re looking for an activity to help keep you in shape, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing are all great exercise. All of those activities are harder than they look, too, so they can be challenging. But, in the end, you’ll have a good time and get in a real workout. Many lakes have places were you can rent a paddleboat, kayak or canoe, too.
Couple kayaking together. Getty Images.
Water sports
One of my cousins absolutely loves jet skiing. It’s always fun to hear him talk about the experience. I’m not much of a water sports enthusiast, but I can appreciate those who do partake. You don’t even have to have your own boat or jet skis, as they are often available for rent nearby.
Young man riding jet boat on a summer day at the lake. Getty Images.
Have a picnic
It’s always a charming activity to have a picnic by the lake. Invite some friends or family over and bring some delicious food to enjoy while looking at the water. Oh, and make sure to have ice cream. That’s a must.
Picnic by the lake. Basket with berries, bread. Getty Images.
Take a hike
Hiking near a lake can be extra lovely, as the water can offer glorious scenery to really make your hike memorable. As aforementioned, lakes often attract nature that you don’t find anywhere else, so hiking around the water can be a unique experience.
Woman with a small yellow dog standing on pier by the mountain lake. Getty Images.
Party with friends
Parties by the lake are always fun. So, get out a grill and invite a bunch of friends down to the beach to enjoy a day or night of partying by the water. But, don’t get wasted, because drinking and swimming can be a deadly combination.
Happy friends doing selfie swimming in the sea with sail boat in background. Getty Images.
Sunbathing
Here’s my top choice, even though you’ll likely find me doing it in the shade: sunbathing. If the water is too cold of you’re just not up to more challenging activities, you can get some sun and lay on the beach. But, remember the sunscreen.
Women relaxing at the lake. Getty Images.
Lakeside games
Lakeside games are definitely a thing, and there are many quirky games that you can play by the lake. A few enjoyable lake games include water balloon fights, bean bag tosses, horseshoes and more. Pick a game and dig in.
Family on dock splashing feet in lake. Getty Images.
Larry Martino is the long-time afternoon drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC.
