USWaterLevels
Last Updated: Today (May 20, 2026 - 12:00 AM EST)

Lake Mead Water Level Today

Real-time water elevation data for America's largest reservoir. Track drought impact, capacity changes, and conditions on the Colorado River system.

47.4 ft
Current Elevation
3.9%
Capacity
⚠️

Low Water Alert

Water levels are currently 1,174.0 feet below full pool. Use extreme caution while boating near shorelines and coves — submerged rocks and stumps may be dangerously close to the surface.

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Local Area Weather

⛅ 72°F Partly Cloudy

No significant rainfall expected in the next 48 hours. Lake levels likely to remain stable or decrease slightly.

Precipitation (24h)
0.00"in

Water Surface Elevation

47.44 ft
Full Pool: 1221.40 ft (3.9%)
Last Updated: May 20, 2026 - 12:00 AM EST

Water Temperature

No Data Available

Lake Mead Map & Location

GPS: 36.01600000°N, -99.99999999°W • Hoover Dam, Nevada-Arizona border

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About Lake Mead Water Level

Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States by volume when at full capacity, formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. Located on the Nevada-Arizona border approximately 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Lake Mead is a critical water source for approximately 25 million people across Nevada, Arizona, California, and Mexico.

At full pool, Lake Mead reaches an elevation of 1,221.4 feet above sea level with a capacity of roughly 26.1 million acre-feet. However, a megadrought spanning over two decades has significantly reduced the lake's water level, drawing national attention to the ongoing water crisis in the American West.

Key elevation thresholds include: 1,075 feet (Tier 1 shortage declaration), 1,050 feet (Tier 2 shortage), 1,025 feet (Tier 3 shortage), and 895 feet (dead pool — the level at which Hoover Dam can no longer generate hydroelectric power or release water downstream).

Lake Mead is also a popular recreation area within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, offering boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. Water levels directly affect marina access, boat ramp availability, and overall recreational opportunities.

Compare with Lake Powell water level (the other major Colorado River reservoir), check California reservoir levels, or browse our national dashboard.

Lake Mead Water Level FAQ

What is the current Lake Mead water level?
As of May 20, 2026 - 12:00 AM EST, Lake Mead's water surface elevation is 47.44 feet above sea level (3.9% of full pool capacity). This data is sourced from USGS monitoring stations.
Is Lake Mead drying up?
Lake Mead has experienced significant declines due to a prolonged megadrought in the Colorado River basin combined with increasing water demand. While the reservoir is not "drying up" in an absolute sense, it has reached historically low levels. The Bureau of Reclamation and the seven Colorado River basin states continue to negotiate water conservation measures to prevent the reservoir from reaching critically low levels.
What is the dead pool level of Lake Mead?
The "dead pool" level of Lake Mead is 895 feet above sea level. At this elevation, water can no longer flow through the Hoover Dam's intake pipes, meaning no water can be released downstream and no hydroelectric power can be generated. This is the absolute minimum operational level for the dam.
How does Lake Mead compare to Lake Powell?
Lake Mead and Lake Powell are the two largest reservoirs on the Colorado River. Lake Mead (downstream, at Hoover Dam) has a larger capacity at 26.1 million acre-feet, while Lake Powell (upstream, at Glen Canyon Dam) holds 24.3 million acre-feet. Both reservoirs are managed together as part of the Colorado River system, and water levels in one directly affect the other.

Get Low Water Alerts

Never miss a critical water level change. Get instant email or push notifications when levels drop below safe pool.

Get Low Water Alerts

Never miss a critical water level change. Get instant email or push notifications when levels drop below safe pool.

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