Written by Ryan Kronbetter

FACTS ABOUT LAKE MEAD Lake Mead is the largest reservoir or man made lake in the United States formed by the Hoover Dam Lake Mead is located on the Colorado River just about 30 miles south of the Las Vegas Strip acting as one of the natural barriers separating Nevada and Arizona

Lake Mead covers 247 sq. miles; It is over 120 miles long; It has over 550 miles of shoreline and averages around 489 feet deep. FACTS ABOUT LAKE MEAD

The conditions found at Lake Mead have a very wide range. Temperatures at Lake Mead range from the low to mid 80’s in the summer and low to mid 50’s in the winter. Visibility varies greatly ranging from 5-10 feet up to feet. Most of the time the visibility at the lake is based on the dive location, boating traffic, temperature of the water and algae growth. FACTS ABOUT LAKE MEAD

Thermoclines are an important factor effecting the visibility in Lake Mead. During the summer months the first thermocline usually occurs near the 30 foot to 40 foot depth. From surface level to 30 feet in depth, the temperature may range from 70° to 82° Fahrenheit, and this layer supports the majority of algae growth. The second thermocline usually is found near the 60 foot depth. Between 30 feet and 60 feet the temperature ranges from 70° to 60° F with less algae present due to cooler water. Below 60' in depth, the water temperature is 60° to 52° F. At this depth, the water is usually clear During the winter, there is usually no thermocline with the entire water column is in the low 50 degrees. FACTS ABOUT LAKE MEAD

Lake Mead draws a majority of its water from snow melt in the Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah Rocky Mountains. Since 2000 the water level has been dropping at a fairly steady rate due to less than average snowfall. The white “bath tub” ring on the mountains indicated where the water level used to be and allows us to visually see how far the lake has recessed. FACTS ABOUT LAKE MEAD

The lake was named after Elwood Mead who was the commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation from 1924 to 1936 during the planning and construction of the Boulder Canyon Project. The lake was created based on the need for a new Dam (Hoover Dam) to supply power to Nevada, Arizona and California. THE HISTORY OF LAKE MEAD

The accumulated water from Hoover Dam forced the evacuation of several communities, most notably St. Thomas, Nevada, a Mormon settlement of around 500 residents whose last resident left the town in The ruins of St. Thomas are sometimes visible when the water level in Lake Mead drops below normal. THE HISTORY OF LAKE MEAD en.wikipedia.org

The building of the Hoover Dam allowed for the rapid growth of a nearby city called Boulder City, Nevada. Boulder City was main residence for all of the Dam workers during the building of the Boulder (Hoover) Dam. THE HISTORY OF LAKE MEAD

AQUATIC LIFE IN LAKE MEAD Largemouth Black BassStriped Bass Rainbow Trout Razorback Sucker Carp: up to 20 pounds Fresh Water Sponge Bluegill Perch Channel Catfish Asiatic Freshwater Clam Zebra Mussel The zebra mussel is an invasive species which attached themselves to boats, pipes, water intakes and much more

Desert Bighorn Sheep WILDLIFE LIFE AROUND LAKE MEAD Desert Tortoises Lizards ScorpionsGila Monsters SnakesCottontail Rabbits Coyotes

Nevada and Arizona State fish and game regulations are in effect. A combination Nevada/Arizona fishing license is required. Spearfishing is legal for carp and striped bass ONLY. Spearfishing for striped bass is permitted throughout Lake Spearfishing is prohibited within 1/2 mile of any dock or swimming area. FISHING REGULATIONS

The most common hazard in Lake Mead is pieces of monofilament (fishing) line and hooks. Always carry a dive knife with you while diving in case you get entangled in fishing line. SAFETY AND COMMON HAZARDS

Another hazard to divers is boaters and personal watercraft operators. Lake Mead has a large amount of boaters year around so follow the law and always fly the “Diver Down” red and white flag within 100ft of where you are diving at all times. SAFETY AND COMMON HAZARDS

Always Dive in the “buddy system” Plan your dive and dive your plan HAVE FUN!!!!!! SAFETY AND COMMON HAZARDS

Kingman Wash Gentle slope Good for novice to intermediate divers Occasional heavy boat traffic Visibility variable Training platform and Buoyancy rings close to shore Access by car or boat Saddle Island Located of the west side of Saddle Island (Boulder Harbor side) Good for novice to intermediate divers Moderate drop-off Excellent area for freshwater clams in feet of water Visibility variable Access by boat PLACES TO DIVE AT LAKE MEAD

Cathedral Cove Located about 5 miles south of Echo Bay Intermediate Diver Level Recommended Protected water Usually good visibility Interesting underwater formations Access by boat Gypsum Reefs-Virgin Basin Extensive white gypsum reef area with irregular underwater erosion forms Intermediate Diver Level Recommended Visibility variable Access by boat

PLACES TO DIVE AT LAKE MEAD Wreck Alley Located on the East side of the boulder Islands Many boat wrecks are located here Beginner to Advanced Diver Level Depending on the Wreck Location Access by boat Black Canyon Sheer wall diving Intermediate Diver Level Recommended Usually good visibility Access by boat

Restricted Areas at Lake Mead Above and below Hoover and Davis dams The portion of the Lower Overton Arm of Lake Mead, from a northern boundary at approximately Latitude N. 36° 15' to a southern boundary at approximately Latitude N. 36° 10', and from the western shoreline to the eastern shoreline, to be closed to SCUBA and all forms of underwater diving unless a permit has been issued by the Chief Ranger's office. The restriction is necessary to protect a sensitive archaeological resource, the submerged B-29 aircraft, while the National Park Service completes a resource protection plan for the area. The B-29, and the site upon which it rests, are managed by the National Park Service under the National Historic Preservation Act. Permits for scuba diving in this area may be obtained by contacting the Chief Ranger's Office at (702) Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Restricted Areas at Lake Mead All designated boat harbors. Divers employed by concessioners diving on official business and special events approved by the National Park Service are exempt from this restriction. Southern Nevada Water Project water intake tunnel and the water intake overhead boom, located on the east side of Saddle Island, just north of Boulder Harbor.

LET’S GO DIVING!!!!