Rising Lake Mead prompts warning

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 1997 | 4:25 a.m.

As Lake Mead continues to rise, shorelines and services around the national recreation area are changing, the National Park Service warns.

Boaters and fishermen operating after dark will no longer find lights on launch ramps at Lake Mead, Las Vegas Bay, Callville Bay, Echo Bay and Overton Beach, NPS spokeswoman Karen Whitney said.

Light standards normally available during low water years are submerged and light poles have been removed. There is no funding available to install lighting at higher water levels.

Parts of the beach access road along Boulder Beach will soon be closed when it is submerged under water.

The handicapped accessible fishing dock at Hemenway will be removed within a couple weeks as the access road and parking area also go under water.

Boaters are warned to approach shorelines carefully, since additional land covered by rising waters is creating new hazards.

One major example is the Pyramid Island Causeway, now mostly submerged. Collisions with small rock outcroppings and shallow areas can cause personal injury and property damage.

NPS and park concessioners operating marinas will continue to move facilities to adjust to water levels.

For more information on activities, services and changes at Lake Mead, contact the NPS at (702) 293-8990 or visit the Alan Bible Visitor Center, located four miles northeast of Boulder City off U.S. Highway 93.

The visitor center is open between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily.