Lake Mead Facts

Facts About Lake Mead

Nestled in the desert landscape of the American Southwest, Lake Mead isn’t just any body of water—it’s a place of history, engineering marvels, and environmental significance. As the largest reservoir in the United States by capacity, it plays a crucial role in water supply, recreation, and wildlife habitat. But how much do you really know about Lake Mead?

Lake Mead Quick Facts

Fact	Value
Location	Nevada and Arizona, USA
Formed	1935 (by Hoover Dam)
Length	112 miles (180 km)
Surface Area	247 square miles (640 km²) at full capacity
Maximum Depth	532 feet (162 m)
Shoreline	759 miles (1,221 km)
Volume	26.12 million acre-feet at full capacity
Primary Inflow	Colorado River
Primary Outflow	Colorado River (via Hoover Dam)
Recreation Area	Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Named After	Dr. Elwood Mead

Here’s a deep dive into the most interesting facts about Lake Mead that will make you appreciate this iconic reservoir even more.

1. Lake Mead is the Largest Reservoir in the U.S.

At full capacity, Lake Mead holds about 26.12 million acre-feet of water and spans 247 square miles. That’s enough water to cover the entire state of Pennsylvania in a foot of water! However, due to prolonged drought and increased water demand, the lake hasn’t reached full capacity since 1983.

2. Formed by the Hoover Dam

Lake Mead was created in 1935, when the Hoover Dam was completed along the Colorado River. As the dam held back the river, the waters gradually flooded the surrounding canyons, forming the reservoir we know today. It took about 6 years for the lake to fill.

3. Named After Elwood Mead

Lake Mead was named in honor of Dr. Elwood Mead, a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation commissioner who oversaw several major water projects in the early 20th century. His work shaped water management across the western United States.

4. A Popular Recreational Spot

Each year, millions of visitors flock to Lake Mead for recreation. It’s a hub for boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, and camping. The lake’s vast shoreline offers plenty of places to relax, explore, and enjoy the desert scenery.

✅ Lake Mead National Recreation Area was established in 1964 as the first national recreation area in the U.S., covering over 1.5 million acres of land and water.

5. Home to Diverse Fish Species

Anglers love Lake Mead for its striped bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill. Striped bass are especially popular, with some reaching weights over 40 pounds! Fishing tournaments are regularly held on the lake.

6. Submerged Ghost Towns

When Lake Mead filled, it submerged several communities, including the small town of St. Thomas, Nevada. In times of drought and low water levels, the remains of St. Thomas re-emerge from the depths, offering visitors a glimpse of the past.

7. Vital Water Source for Millions

Lake Mead provides drinking water for more than 25 million people in Nevada, Arizona, California, and northern Mexico. Cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Los Angeles depend on its water for homes, businesses, and agriculture.

👉 This reliance on Lake Mead makes it one of the most important water resources in the western U.S.—and a key player in debates about water conservation and climate change.

8. Water Levels Have Dropped Dramatically

Lake Mead’s water levels have been steadily declining due to prolonged drought and overuse of the Colorado River. In 2022, the lake reached its lowest level since it was filled, exposing old boat ramps, rocks, and even human remains in formerly submerged areas.

The famous “bathtub ring” of white mineral deposits along the shoreline marks how far the water has dropped over the years.

9. Unique Scuba Diving Opportunities

Lake Mead offers surprising opportunities for freshwater scuba diving. Divers can explore submerged structures, sunken boats, and even the remains of a World War II-era B-29 Superfortress bomber resting at the bottom of the lake.

However, diving conditions can be challenging due to depth, water clarity, and boat traffic, so proper training and permits are recommended.

10. Wildlife Hotspot in the Desert

Despite its arid surroundings, Lake Mead is home to diverse wildlife. You might spot:

🦅 Bald eagles soaring overhead

🐍 Desert bighorn sheep climbing rocky cliffs

🐢 Endangered desert tortoises near the shoreline

🦎 Various reptiles, amphibians, and over 240 species of birds

The lake’s wetlands and riparian areas provide crucial habitat for migratory birds and native species.

11. Dangers Lurk Beneath the Surface

Lake Mead may be beautiful, but it’s not without risks. It’s known for sudden weather changes, high winds, and waves that can capsize boats. Submerged rocks, drop-offs, and underwater currents also pose dangers to swimmers and boaters.

👉 In fact, Lake Mead ranks among the most deadly national park sites in the U.S., with many drowning incidents reported each year—often involving visitors not wearing life jackets.

12. Part of a Larger Water System

Lake Mead isn’t an isolated reservoir. It’s part of the larger Colorado River Basin system, working together with other dams and reservoirs like Lake Powell (behind Glen Canyon Dam) to manage water supply, hydroelectric power, and flood control for the region.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Lake

Lake Mead is more than a giant reservoir in the desert—it’s a symbol of human ingenuity, environmental challenges, and natural beauty. Whether you’re fascinated by its history, planning a fishing trip, or curious about its role in the Southwest’s water crisis, Lake Mead has a story that continues to evolve.

So next time you see a photo of its vast waters or hear news about its shrinking shoreline, you’ll know the facts behind this iconic and complex place.