Snow pack is good, but coming weeks are vital
AFTER enduring most of 2022 with only a single operational launch ramp at Lake Mead, boaters are looking toward the Upper Colorado River Basin and hoping its above-average snow pack translates into higher water levels when the boating season gets underway.
Whether that happens is dependent on Mother Nature and how much snow falls in the high country between now and then, and what the water content of that snow might be.
Then there is the unfortunate reality that even if the water level rises, nothing guarantees it will come up enough for marinas to reopen their launch ramps.
Although snow pack in the upper basin is sitting at 123 percent, it is only 87 percent of the April 6 average. That is the date of maximum snow pack, according to the website snow pack.water-data. com. In other words, we still have a way to go.
Nevertheless, there is reason for hope. As I write this column, much of the upper basin is once again under winter storm or winter weather advisories issued by the National Weather Service.
Heavy snow accumulation is expected in some areas.
Perhaps that is a harbinger of things to come.
In the meantime, innovative technology is providing a temporary solution to launch ramp woes.
Lake Mead Mohave Adventures recently opened single lanes on the ramps at Callville Bay and Temple Bar after installing a portable boat ramp called a Mobi-mat BAM at each location.
Made of recycled polyester, the Mobi-mat BAM rolls out like a carpet and is held in place with large stakes pounded into the ground.
It has a 3-D surface designed to provide traction to vehicles in the wet environment.
Wanting a first-hand look at the mat, I drove out to Callville late Saturday afternoon. After working at Lake Mead for many summers, seeing the original launch ramp so high and dry is always a bit surreal.
The upper parking lot was empty, but I came upon two bass anglers who were wiping down their boats in the lower auxiliary lot.
I spoke with one of the anglers who identified himself only as JP. He said the bass bite had been slow, but the new ramp worked well while launching and retrieving his boat.
JP also had watched as several other boaters launched without a problem.
He also said the ramp at Temple Bar was working well.
Given the damage Nevada’s summer sun can cause to manmade and natural materials, I was concerned that the Mobi-mat BAM is made of recycled polyester. But according to the manufacturer’s specifications, the material withstands temperatures from -40 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit.
After talking with JP, I watched as two boaters launched a large pontoon boat. The driver backed in and pulled out without a problem.
The mat made a loud and disturbing noise under the weight of the vehicle, but that did not seem to matter.
Ice-out
Ice-out cometh. At least that is the word out of Lincoln County, where Echo Canyon Reservoir is ice free. The reservoirs at Kirch Wildlife Management Area will not be far behind.
Once the ice begins to melt, it does not take long for the water to open and some of the best trout fishing of the year to begin. Be sure to verify the latest conditions before making the trip.
Work the edges of the ice or other cover. That is where the wary fish will be looking for something to eat while watching out for predators from above.
Freelance writer Doug Nielsen is a conservation educator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. His “In the Outdoors” column is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NDOW. Any opinions he states in his column are his own. Find him on Facebook at @dougwritesoutdoors. He can be reached at intheoutdoorslv@gmail. com.