Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States in terms of volume when full, and it is located in the states of Nevada and Arizona. It was formed by the construction of the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, which began in 1931 and was completed in 1936.
The idea to dam the Colorado River for flood control and water storage was born in the early 20th century. The Boulder Canyon Project Act was signed into law by President Herbert Hoover in 1928, setting the stage for the construction of the dam and the formation of Lake Mead. The lake was named after Dr. Elwood Mead, who was the commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation at the time, which was responsible for the project.
The damming of the river led to the flooding of the Black Canyon and the creation of Lake Mead. The lake's water levels fluctuate significantly with the seasons and water usage, but when at full capacity, it has a surface area of 247 square miles (640 km²) and can store 28.23 million acre-feet (34.82 km³) of water.
The creation of Lake Mead has had significant environmental impacts:
Over the years, Lake Mead has faced several challenges:
Despite the challenges, Lake Mead remains a significant recreational area. It includes several marinas, campgrounds, and over 759 miles of shoreline. Activities include boating, fishing, kayaking, and scuba diving, with the lake being home to numerous shipwrecks and submerged structures that attract divers.