What is the Lake Mead water level today?
The latest available Lake Mead water level is 1,038.06 feet above mean sea level as of September 23, 2026. The latest available storage reading is 26.2% full as of September 23, 2026.
Lake Mead Drops to New Record Low
Lake Mead reached its lowest level since the initial filling period on , at 1,038.06 ft. The last time it was this low was , while the reservoir was filling.
Lake Mead Water Level Forecast by Date
Daily Lake Mead elevation forecast values (38 dates)
| Forecast date | Projected elevation |
|---|---|
| 1,038.00 feet | |
| 1,037.95 feet | |
| 1,037.90 feet | |
| 1,037.87 feet | |
| 1,037.81 feet | |
| 1,037.76 feet | |
| 1,037.70 feet |
| Forecast date | Projected elevation |
|---|---|
| 1,037.70 feet | |
| 1,037.70 feet | |
| 1,037.67 feet | |
| 1,037.63 feet | |
| 1,037.53 feet | |
| 1,037.43 feet | |
| 1,037.33 feet | |
| 1,037.22 feet | |
| 1,037.12 feet | |
| 1,037.02 feet | |
| 1,036.92 feet | |
| 1,036.82 feet | |
| 1,036.71 feet | |
| 1,036.61 feet | |
| 1,036.51 feet | |
| 1,036.40 feet | |
| 1,036.30 feet | |
| 1,036.20 feet | |
| 1,036.09 feet | |
| 1,035.99 feet | |
| 1,035.88 feet | |
| 1,035.78 feet | |
| 1,035.68 feet | |
| 1,035.57 feet | |
| 1,035.47 feet | |
| 1,035.37 feet | |
| 1,035.27 feet | |
| 1,035.17 feet | |
| 1,035.08 feet | |
| 1,034.98 feet | |
| 1,034.88 feet |
July 2026 24-Month Study
Projected Lake Mead elevation
Loading the latest 24-Month Study…
About Lake Mead Water Levels
Lake Mead is the Lower Basin's largest storage reservoir. Its elevation responds to Colorado River inflow, evaporation, water deliveries, and releases through Hoover Dam.
The date-by-date table shows the latest daily operating forecast published with the source data.
Historic lines show recorded conditions. Forecast lines can change whenever the Bureau of Reclamation publishes a new operating forecast or planning projection.
Quick answers
Lake Mead Water Level Today: Common Questions
Is Lake Mead rising or falling?
From September 16, 2026 to September 23, 2026, Lake Mead fell 0.44 feet. This comparison uses daily readings, not intraday movement.
How full is Lake Mead today?
Lake Mead is 26.2% full based on the latest available reservoir-storage reading dated September 23, 2026. Storage and elevation source dates can differ, so both are labeled separately on this page.
What does Lake Mead water level mean?
Lake Mead water level is the elevation of the reservoir surface above mean sea level. It is not the water depth at every point in the lake.
Where does the Lake Mead water level data come from?
Observed elevations and daily operating projections come from U.S. Bureau of Reclamation water-operations data.
Learn what the 1,035-, 950- and 895-foot Lake Mead elevations mean, or review the data sources, methods and limitations.
Data Sources and Update Schedule
Recorded Lake Mead elevation comes from Bureau of Reclamation Lower Colorado River operations data. The date-by-date table publishes the daily forecast with its exact source dates.
Source records may be provisional and revised. Forecasts are planning information, not guaranteed outcomes.