Lake mead is a lake on the colorado river, about 24 mi (39 km) from the las vegas strip, southeast of the city of las vegas, nevada, in the states of nevada and arizona.it is the largest reservoir in the united states in terms of water capacity. formed by the hoover dam, the reservoir serves water to the states of arizona, california, and nevada, as well as some of mexico providing sustenance. Usgs national water census water budget data resources for the lake mead - huc 15010005 (turn off compatibility view settings in ie if having problems viewing this site) epa - watershed assessment, tracking and environmental results (waters) for the lake mead - huc 15010005. Bottom line: lake mead is the largest reservoir in the u.s., measured by water capacity. the lake has now reached a record low. space images from 2016 and 1984 show the highs and lows of lake mead.
The variation in water flowing into lake mead and the water flowing out of lake mead causes the lake's water level or "elevation" to fluctuate yearly and over multi-year periods, and it has done so throughout the reservoir's 70 plus year history. this is normal, and it is how lake mead was designed to work.. A key reservoir for the u.s. southwest and mexico will be able to provide the necessary water for at least 13 more months. but by the start of 2020, lake mead's water levels could be so low that. Today, any water that reaches lake powell is fair game to be sent on to lake mead and the lower basin states. instead, they want to see a protected water bank created in lake powell to hold the saved water. the upper basin of the colorado river has begun experiencing water shortages due to a 19-year drought..
