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Lake Mead water levels
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Lake Mead hit a record low of 1,040.5 feet on Aug 7, 2026. The drop threatens Hoover Dam's hydropower and water supplies for 30 million people.
Background
Lake Mead, the largest U.S. reservoir, has been shrinking due to a prolonged drought and high demand in the Colorado River Basin. The reservoir is now at about 27% of its capacity, the lowest since it was filled in the 1930s. This has raised concerns about water and electricity supplies for millions across the Southwest.
How it unfolded
- Jul 28, 2022Previous record low water level was set at Lake Mead.
- Aug 7, 2026Lake Mead dropped to a new record low of 1,040.5 feet (317.14 meters).
- Aug 12, 2026Water level read 1,039.94 feet, just five feet above the 1,035-foot threshold that would cut Hoover Dam's hydropower by 70%.
- Aug 15, 2026Lake Powell also hit a record low, and combined levels of both reservoirs are at historic lows.
- Aug 17, 2026Lake Mead's level continued to drop, sitting at 1,039.95 feet.
- Aug 18, 2026Apparent human skeletal remains were found at Lake Mead, likely exposed by the receding water.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation reported the record low and continues to monitor the situation.
- Analysts
- Experts warn that if levels drop another five feet, Hoover Dam's hydropower generation could decline by 70%, affecting electricity for 1.3 million people.
- Public
- A visitor to Lake Mead said, 'As the water goes down, the skeletons come up,' reflecting the eerie consequences of the drought.
- Caution
- Water officials in Southern California are concerned about reduced allocations and potential rate increases for consumers.
Still unverified
The discovery of human remains at Lake Mead is confirmed by officials, but the identity and cause are under investigation; no further details are available.