Colorado River Lakes
Water Levels & Temperatures March 2024
The desert southwest has many recreational opportunities thanks to the Colorado River. This majestic river has given rise to four remarkable lakes, namely Lake Powell, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and Lake Havasu, each formed by impressive dams. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, these lakes offer a wide range of activities to enjoy. If you're curious about the current water and air temperatures in each region or seeking guidance on what to do and where to stay, you'll find all the relevant information here.
Click on the links below for more information on each lake.
Lodging Where to Stay - Boating
Water Level and Temperature
Water level Up to 37.5% full
Water temp 45
Lodging Laughlin, NV - Bullhead City, AZ
Water Level and Temperature
Water level 92% full
Water temp 40+
Rivers feeding Lake Powell are running at 86% of the March 24 average rate. Lake Powell is up 41 feet from one year ago. Inflows for Water Year 2024 are 101% of Water Year 2023. Watch your stuff, stay safe.
Water Elevation Lake Powell By Month
Chart by year from 1998 to 2023
Lake Powell is up 41feet from one year ago.
Water releases from the Glen Canyon Dam fluctuate based on power needs, which can sometimes leave downstream river users high and dry - literally! Generally, less water is released on Sundays. The Colorado River provides water for 40 million people across the Southwest.
Road Conditions Check for updates
The public is asked to use extreme caution when using the public launch ramps at Lake Powell. Most of the main boat ramps are open. The deepest launch ramp at Lake Powell continues to be Wahweap main ramp. Different boat/trailer combinations require varying depths of water, so remember to assess the water depth for your boat before launching.
Due to significant wind damage and low water conditions, Dangling Rope Marina is closed until further notice. The damaged docks are not safe for visitors or employees.
Hite retail store, pay-at-the-pump fuel service, the visitor comfort station, and designated camping areas will be closed. Public restrooms at the Hite Ranger Station, fresh drinking water spigot and RV dump are open. Plan your fuel use ahead.
The lake level is changing every day: keep alert!
More information on changing lake levels
Lake Mead
Water levels: Lake Mead level is up about 29.5 feet from last year at this time. The lake water level is about 37.5% full. Inflows for WY 2024 are 106% of WY 2023. Rivers feeding Lake Mead are running at 104% of the average.
Alerts & Conditions
Lake Mead Ramp Status --
Current Conditions at Lake Mead & Lake Mohave
The park is located in both Nevada and Arizona.
Please check with the most recent state orders before traveling.
Most restrooms and stores are closed. Please bring everything you need, including water for you and your pets, and pack out everything you bring in.
Remember, Styrofoam and glass are never allowed in the park. Thank you for keeping your park clean and trash free.
Historic Railroad Trail Tunnel 3 Closed Until Further Notice Due to visible deterioration of the support beams within Tunnel 3 of the Historic Railroad Trail, this tunnel is closed, until further notice. Visitors may hike from the trailhead to Tunnel 3 and back. Access into the tunnel is prohibited.
Lake Mojave and the Colorado river
Multi-vessel/vehicle discounts are no longer offered - for latest fees see park website.
ALERT! Swimmer's Itch, a non-harmful, but irritating rash has been reported by visitors at various beaches and shallow waters on Lake Mohave. To reduce the risk of developing this condition, briskly towel off immediately upon leaving the water to remove the parasites from your skin.
Starting August 1 2023, public vehicle access to the shoreline at Boulder Harbor will no longer be available. The area is now the Boulder Harbor Walking Trail.
Laughlin on the Colorado river.
No one may operate a personal watercraft (PWC) that does not meet the 2006 emission standards set by EPA for the manufacturing of two-stroke engines. A person operating a personal watercraft that meets the EPA 2006 emission standards through the use of direct-injection two-stroke or four-stroke engines, or the equivalent thereof, is not subject to this prohibition and will be allowed to operate as described in this section.
Sunset Katherine's Landing South end of Lake Mohave
The NPS and Forever Resorts, LLC dedicated the first floating building project in the world to be registered for LEED® certification at Lake Mead National Recreation Area's Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina on Lake Mohave.
The bridge over the Hoover Dam is open for traffic.
DesertUSA has videos on Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, Glen Canyon Dam, Lees Ferry, Rainbow Bridge, and Lake Mojave's Davis Dam and Laughlin, NV.
You can now experience the Colorado River via Google Street View.https://www.google.com/maps/about/behind-the-scenes/streetview/treks/colorado-river/
Take a virtual trip on Lake Mohave and the Colorado river in this DesertUSA video.
Lodging Laughlin, NV - Bullhead City, AZ
Send us your river stories and pictures to share with fellow river lovers. What else do you want DesertUSA to cover in our updates? Let us know. E-mail pictures and comments to Jim@desertusa.com
Click on the picture above to read the story of the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge,
named the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
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