Lake Mead marinas, services adjust to lower water levels

By Mary Manning

Thursday, April 23, 2009 | 4:14 p.m.

Sam Morris

Near the Hoover Dam, the difference in the color of the rocks shows how high the water level in Lake Mead has been. Drought on the Colorado River, combined with increased water use in booming Las Vegas, has reduced the reserves and has Las Vegas Valley water managers searching for options.

Two marinas at Lake Mead will temporarily close starting Sunday, according to the National Park Services, which says it will assist boaters to enjoy the water despite lower levels this year.

This year alone will cost the Lake Mead National Recreation Area an estimated $10 million, plus an additional $1 million from its concessionaires, to adjust services to the lower lake level, the park service said. The parks service says it will keep launch ramps open with temporary extensions, helping boaters and others who wish to use the lake.

Echo Bay Marina will close its store and fuel dock from Sunday through May 5, the park service said. Small boat and houseboat rentals are by reservation only. Access to the marina will be by shuttle boat only. No overnight occupancy in the marina will be permitted, the park service said.

All land-based services, including the RV park, motel, restaurant, store and fuel will remain open. The Temple Bar Marina will remain open.

"The major impact to our visitors this summer will be at the launch ramps," said Andrew Munoz, spokesman for the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Temporary boat launch extensions will use metal pipe mats, Munoz said. Funding from entrance fees and the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act will be used to build permanent ramp extensions, he said.

The Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a popular summer destination for boaters, swimmers and scuba divers. The lake's attractions will be open all summer.

By July, the lake level will be about 14 feet below last year's lowest point, according to Bureau of Reclamation projections. The lake has dropped 100 feet in the last nine years because of ongoing drought. The parks service says boaters should be cautious as new obstructions and reefs emerge because of the lower water level.

The park service recommends that beach-goers wear foot protection because quagga mussels, which were once underwater, are now on shore and their shells are sharp and can cut bare feet.

For more about Lake Mead attractions visit: www.FunOnTheLake.com.

Current conditions at Lake Mead and Lake Mohave are available at the National Park Service Web site: http://www.nps.gov/lame, then click on "Current Launch Ramp and Road Conditions."