Lake Mead's receding waters revealed long-lost bodies. But who are they? Climate crisis.
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The falling water levels have uncovered large swaths of Lake Mead, revealing old settlements and long-lost relics – including a second world war-era boat – in addition to the bodies.
Between 2006 and 2016, 275 people died at Lake Mead — about 100 more deaths than Yosemite National Park (the next deadliest) and 120 more than Grand Canyon National Park. Drownings account for the majority of the park's deaths.
What happens if Lake Mead dries up forever? If Lake Mead were to run out of water, the Hoover Dam would no longer be able to generate power or provide water to surrounding cities and farms. The Colorado River would essentially stop flowing, and the Southwest would be in a major water crisis.
There are many places to swim in the bright blue waters of Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. Be aware that there are no lifeguards in the park. Always wear a life jacket. Most fatalities at Lake Mead National Recreation Area could have been avoided if the person in the water was wearing a life jacket.
Lake Mead investigators optimistic about solving body in the barrel homicide case. Las Vegas investigators are optimistic they'll be able to determine the identity of a homicide victim whose body was discovered inside a barrel last May on the shoreline of Lake Mead.
Even before the water levels began dropping, Lake Mead was considered one of America's deadliest national parks. Since the lake was created in the 1930s, around 300 people have drowned in the reservoir. This figure is on top of any other bodies that died from other means that may be in the lake.
Because most of the world's water is found in areas of highly effective rainfall, most lakes are open lakes whose water eventually reaches the sea. For instance, the Great Lakes' water flows into the St. Lawrence River and eventually the Atlantic Ocean.
Mead reaches dead pool at 895 feet. If Lake Powell reaches dead pool, the US Bureau of Reclamation—which declined our interview requests—would be unable to meet its obligation to deliver water downstream to Lake Mead. In which case, 40 million people would be affected.
Water taken directly from Lake Mead, the Colorado River or the underground water table isn't safe for people to drink, but those are the sources of Southern Nevada's drinking water. Before it hits a glass, Las Vegas Valley's water must run through two Southern Nevada Water Authority facilities.