Lake Mead anticipates 100,000 visitors during holiday weekend

Park rangers are anticipating more than 100,000 visitors at Lake Mead National Recreation Area this Fourth of July weekend.

Here are the latest launch ramp conditions, safety tips and weekend events.

According to rangers, launching conditions at Lake Mohave are excellent.

At Lake Mead, the water elevation is around 1,075 feet. All launch ramps are open, but most require a four-wheel-drive vehicle because of mud.

At Boulder Harbor, eight lanes are open on the concrete ramp. Hazards have been marked in the center of the channel, as well as outside the harbor to the south. The north and south sides of the channel are 6-8 feet deep.

At Hemenway Harbor, two lanes are open on pipe mat. Four-wheel-drive is recommended for one lane.

At Callville Bay, two lanes are open on pipe mat. Four-wheel-drive is recommended for one lane.

At Temple Bar one lane is open on pipe mat. Four-wheel-drive is recommended. For courtesy launch ramp assistance at Temple Bar, call marina staff at 928-767-3211.

At Echo Bay, one lane is open. Four-wheel-drive is recommended.

At South Cove, one lane is open on pipe mat. Four-wheel-drive is recommended.

No fireworks, including sparklers, are allowed within Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Wood and charcoal fires are allowed in grills at developed picnic areas or campgrounds and at shorelines 100 feet from vegetation.

The consumption or possession of an alcoholic beverage by a person operating a vehicle or vessel is prohibited.

Temperatures are forecast to be near 110 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the weekend with a chance of showers Friday. If a monsoon develops, which can happen rapidly, those on the water should find a sheltered cove or shore.

Launch ramps become crowded after storms arrive. It’s also wise to write down current GPS coordinates, so rescue crews can locate you more quickly.

If flash flooding occurs on land, visitors should seek high ground.

Because lake conditions can change in an instant, rangers recommend always wearing a life jacket while swimming.

Algae are still present on Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. The algae may appear as green or yellow streaks or scum on the surface of the water or as green globs or streaks floating below the surface. Some blue-green algae may produce toxins harmful to people and pets. Those using the lakes are advised to stay away from the algae, and to rinse off after swimming. Do not drink untreated lake water. Pets also should be kept out of areas with algae.

To report algal blooms or illness, call 702-293-8998. To report a medical emergency, call 702-293-8932.

Those visiting the park are encouraged to attend the 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. Saturday ranger chat, “Public Lands: Treasures of Southern Nevada.” It will be presented in the Alan Bible Visitor Center.

Call 702-293-8990 for more information.