As a decades-long drought parches the American West, Lake Mead's water supply has suffered, causing the man made reservoir's shorelines to dramatically recede and reveal some remains that were once submerged.
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LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Since May, four sets of human remains have been found at Lake Mead.
Simply put, commercial filming at Lake Mead is banned only if the person does not have a filming permit. If someone is filming for a YouTube video anywhere in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, or other national parks, a permit needs to be approved by NPS.
Electricity would not just be the only thing lost. Without Lake Mead, Las Vegas would lose access to 90 percent of its water sources. If Lake Mead were to reach dead pool, it would technically still be able to supply drinking water to Las Vegas. But there will not be enough water for agricultural activities.
The depth of the water in front of the Hoover Dam has varied over years, largely impacted by the depth of Lake Mead, which has been on a fairly steady decline recently. In the 1980s, Lake Mead reached its peak depth of 590 ft (180 m) below the surface. Now, the lowest depth is about 400 ft (122 m).
Human remains found at Lake Mead earlier this year have been identified as a Las Vegas man who drowned nearly 20 years ago, authorities said. Thomas Erndt, 42, drowned in the lake on Aug. 2, 2002, according to the Clark County Coroner's Office. His remains were discovered May 7 in the Callville Bay area.
But while Lake Mead has filled up slightly since its low point of July 2022, the Bureau of Reclamation anticipates that the water levels will start to decline again come spring. A Bureau of Reclamation study published in January predicted that Lake Mead could reach a new all-time low in 2023.
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.
The main contributors to Lake Mead's decreased water levels, besides population growth leading to depletion, include drought and climate change. Lake Mead and surrounding areas have been plagued by drought over the last few years. For instance, 83% of Colorado is experiencing drought at this moment.
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.
The lower the water level in Lake Mead, the less water is available to flow through the dam's turbines. Thus, the less electricity the dam can generate. If the water level in the lake falls below that Inactive Pool level, the Hoover Dam cannot generate electricity.
The consumption or direct possession of an alcoholic beverage by a person operating a vehicle or vessel is prohibited. Glass bottles and Styrofoam are prohibited in the park.