Nature Impact Factor: [New post] Lake Mead Empties Fast

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Lake Mead Empties Fast – More Climate Change Evidence

by devongeography

shutterstock_editorial_12205050g-1 — Image: Shutterstock

There is hardly a day goes past now without some news reflecting the changing patterns of climate we are experiencing across the world. With 65% of the United States now suffering drought conditions, Nevada's Lake Mead gives us a stark glimpse of what the future might hold.

Screenshot 2021-07-30 161837 — Image: The Daily Telegraph

Running all the way around the 759-mile shoreline of one of America's largest reservoirs is a ghostly white 'bath tub ring'. This shows just how much the water level of the reservoir has fallen – leaving nearby states and cities close to disaster.

YP4YPBKG5RASXDED545P3Z7J7I — Image: Los Angeles Times

112 mile-long Lake Mead was created in 1935 when the construction of the Hoover Dam blocked off the flow of the Colorado River. Today, 25 million people still rely on it for water supplies – including 90% of the population of nearby Las Vegas.

Its water surface has fallen to 161 feet lower than its 'full pool' level – that's taller than the Statue of Liberty without her pedestal. To put it another way, Lake mead has shrunk to 35% of its capacity. Another 173 feet would take it below its 'dead pool' level, meaning water levels would no longer be high enough to pass through the Hoover Dam.

Time to think more seriously about water use?

The USA has experienced a number of climate-related records in recent times – the normally cool states of Oregon and Washington saw highs of 47 degrees C and 48 degrees C, while Death Valley recorded a sweltering 54.4 degrees C.

A few years ago, during a teacher exchange in Las Vegas, I was lucky enough to take a helicopter flight over the Hoover Dam on the way to the Grand Canyon. Here are a couple of photos I took - there was quite a bit more water to fly over then!