By VERNON ROBISON
Moapa Valley Progress
A construction project on the low water launch ramp at Echo Bay got started earlier this month on August 3. The project will extend the concrete ramp to reach current low water levels at Lake Mead.
The project is part of $1.5 million effort by the National Park Service this summer, to extend launch ramps all around the lake. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of September.
The current deep water launch at Echo Bay was opened in 2011 when the water levels were more than 25 feet higher in elevation than they are today. It was built out to a water level of 1,083 feet in elevation. But as lake water levels have dropped to new lows this summer, the end of the launch ramp has been left high and dry. Concrete plank ramp extensions have been used at Echo Bay to extend the ramp to the water’s edge. But with water levels reaching a new low last month at 1,075.08. it still presents a messy situation for trucks and trailers launching boats from the ramp.
NPS officials have seen this as an opportunity to improve the ramp. Work crews are currently extending the permanent concrete out to just beyond the new low water levels.
During construction, portions of the launch ramp have been closed, so crews could pour the new concrete. But at least one lane has remained open to accommodate the boat traffic coming and going, according to Park staff.
Despite the inconvenience involved with the ongoing project, NPS staff insist that Echo Bay is still one of the top spots on the lake to launch a boat, especially in low water conditions.
“I’ve been telling people that (Echo Bay) has about the best conditions for launching on the lake right now,” said NPS spokesperson Christie Vanover. “The slope and grade there makes it easier to launch than other ramps with a flatter grade.”
In addition, the Echo Bay fish cleaning station, restrooms, camping facilities, RV village, convenience store and land-based fueling station remain open at the location.
