Lost City Museum, Overton, Nevada
Yesterday the water level in Lake Mead hit its lowest point since the lake was originally filled in the 1930s. John Fleck was there to mark the occasion, and he has some interesting thoughts on this historic event. The importance of this milestone is more symbolic than practical; the lake level has not yet become low enough to trigger an actual shortage of water. Nevertheless, this is an important reminder of the importance of water in the Southwest and the brave new world it is entering as the climate changes and conditions become both drier and less predictable.
Hi Teofilo – Have you read Cadillac Desert, by Marc Reisner? Sad and frightening.
Here in the land of 10,000 lakes, we have a wetland pothole in our lower pasture. My measuring stick is a large boulder on the edge of the pothole and it has been high and dry for the last four years. I spent some time on the Canadian border in May and there is a three foot plus bathtub ring on Rainy Lake’s rocky shoreline – lowest it’s been since lake level records began according to locals.
Enjoying your blog (and actually learning some things), Judy
Hi Judy,
I haven’t read Cadillac Desert, but it’s been recommended to me several times. A friend of mine who is very involved in the California water scene has said that it’s kind of outdated at this point, but I’m sure it’s still worth reading.
Glad you like the blog.