Declining water level to prompt boat ramp closings at Lake Mohave

By William D'Urso

Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012 | 11:50 a.m.

A drop in water level at Lake Mohave will bring the temporary closing of six boat-launch ramps later this month.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area officials will close the ramps from Oct. 29 through Nov. 7.

Lake Mohave's water level has been declining from 641 feet since September and is expected to drop to around 630 feet by Oct. 31. Officials expect the water levels to rise again after Nov. 4 and return to 633 feet by Nov. 8.

“When water levels reach below 633 feet on Lake Mohave, we have to close our ramps for the safety of our boaters and infrastructure,” said Bill Dickinson, park superintendent.

Boat ramps expected to be closed are: Willow Beach, Cottonwood Cove, Katherine Landing, Princess Cove, Arizona Telephone Cove and Nevada Telephone Cove.

Access to other services at the lake will be unaffected, officials said. Visitors still will have access to marinas, fuel stations, stores, motels, campsites and picnic areas. Boaters still will be able to use to the lake, and kayak and raft tour groups will continue as scheduled.

Officials, however, caution boaters to keep an eye on the changing water levels during October and November.

Dickinson said, “It’s best to follow the main channel buoy markers and reduce your speed, until you are comfortable with the new water depths.”

Lake Mohave is straddles the Nevada-Arizona border north of Laughlin.