The Shrinking Lake Mead: A Photographic History

As the popular saying goes, "A picture is worth 1,000 words."View of Lake Mead from the abandoned Echo Bay ResortFebruary 2021Like many Las Vegans, my reaction to the lowering water levels at Lake Mead has changed from a mere "Wow" to an alarmed "Holy sh*t, we may have to move."I've read dozens of articles about the woes facing the Colorado River, Lake Mead, and Lake Powell, but I think a look back at pictures of what Lake Mead looked like in prior years versus where we are today says more than anything I've read.Here are some before and after shots of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam in the 80s, when the water flowed over the dam's spillways and turned into waterfalls, and in February of this year, 2021.Intake Towers, 1983Intake Towers, February 2021Hoover Dam Spillway (Nevada side), 1983Hoover Dam Spillway (Arizona side), February 2021Echo Bay used to be the location of a popular hotel, restaurant, and marina. Back in 2011, the resort was closed but the marina was still open. View of Echo Bay from the marina's walkway/dock, November 2011Echo Bay, February 2021The resort closed in 2010 in the wake of the Great Recession and never re-opened. Shuttered Echo Bay Hotel, November 2011Echo Bay Hotel, February 2021I think these pictures say it all.Everyone in this region should be concerned. If you're not, you haven't been paying attention.________________________All photos by Terrisa Meeks