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Weather Information and Boating
Weather Safety for Area Lakes 
Forecast Information
NOAA
Weather Radio
Current Local Observations
Common Weather Hazards Forecast
Information
The
National Weather Service provides three quick and easy ways to check the forecast
before heading to the lake: - 1) On the internet:
2)
By phone: National Weather Service Forecasts for Lakes Mead and Mohave and for
Lake Havasu are also available 24 hours a day by calling the forecast line at
702-736-3854. 3) NOAA weather radio (see coverage areas and frequencies
below).
Why should you check
the forecast before heading to the lake?
Checking the forecast
and staying alert for changing weather conditions is extremely important if you
are planning a day at the lake. According the National Park Service, weather is
either a factor or a direct cause of five to ten fatalities a year on Lake Mead.
This fatality rate is higher than the number of deaths per year in the Las Vegas
Valley due to Flash Flooding, and higher than the number of people killed by tornadoes
each year in Oklahoma. The biggest weather-related dangers for local boaters
and swimmers are strong winds, lightning, and heat-related illnesses. Strong winds
cause the most problems as they often create large waves, which can carry away
swimmers and capsize or swamp small boats. It is important to check the forecast
before you begin your trip and remain alert for changing weather conditions while
on the water. Otherwise...by the time you realize you are in danger you may not
have enough time to get to safety. While on the water, listen to NOAA weather
radio for forecast updates and possible weather advisories, watches, and warnings.
Always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back.
Many people head out to area lakes not realizing that weather conditions there
can be dramatically different from nearby cities such as Las Vegas or Kingman.
It is not uncommon for areas along the Colorado River to experience winds sustained
at 20 to 30 mph while the Las Vegas Valley is only experiencing winds sustained
at 10 to 20 mph. This is primarily due to the effect that local terrain has on
the winds. Lakes Mead, Mohave and Havasu typically experience more summer thunderstorms
than Las Vegas because they are closer to where monsoonal moisture typically surges
northward. In addition, visitors may arrive in the morning and not expect conditions
to change much throughout the day. Unfortunately, winds can kick up suddenly in
the late morning and thunderstorms are most likely to begin developing in the
afternoon. By knowing what to expect ahead of time, and remaining alert for signs
of changing weather, you can help keep yourself safe while enjoying your time
on the water.
NOAA
Weather Radio
NOAA
Weather Radio (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting
continuous weather information direct from a nearby National Weather Service office.
NWR stations that cover Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and Lake Havasu originate from
the NWS office in Las Vegas. NWR broadcasts National Weather Service warnings,
watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day. Many weather radio
receivers are equipped with a tone alarm feature, which will automatically sound
an alert tone to warn you of severe weather or other local hazards. All newer
marine radios also carry the NOAA weather radio frequencies, and almost all offer
the tone alarm feature as well.
| Call Sign |
Location of Transmitter | Frequency |
Areas Served | Marine
Weather Channel | Weather Radio Channel |
Power (W) | |
WXL-36 | Red
Mountain | 162.550 mHz |
Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Las Vegas Valley | 1 |
7 | 100 |
| KQC-45 |
Christmas Tree Pass | 162.500
mHz | Lake Mohave and Laughlin /
Bullhead City | 6 |
5 | 120 |
| KXI-84 |
Northeast of Lake Havasu City | 162.400
mHz | Lake Havasu including Lake
Havasu City and Needles | 2 |
1 | 100 |
Current
Weather Observations
Local Observations:
Boulder
City
Havasu
RAWS
Lake
Havasu City
Bullhead
City/Laughlin International Airport (KIFP)
Laughlin
Needles
Airport (KEED)
Common
Weather Hazards
| Strong Winds | Strong
winds are the biggest weather-related threat to boaters on area lakes. Strong
winds create large waves and make waters choppy. Because of it's larger size,
Lake Mead is especially vulnerable to large waves. Wind driven waves on Lake Mead
routinely reach three to four feet in size, but have been know to reach sizes
of six feet or higher under extraordinary circumstances. Boaters and swimmers
must be aware that wind and wave conditions on area lakes can change rapidly and
often vary greatly from place to place.
Large wind-driven waves can
wash over the side of a small craft and fill it with water. In addition, if a
large wave hits a vessel at just the right angle, it could capsize a small boat,
canoe, or kayak. Swimmers are also vulnerable to the effects of winds and large
waves. Inexperienced swimmers can tire very quickly while trying to swim in large
waves. Improper floatation devices, such as pool toys, are sometimes used to stay
afloat. These toys can blow or drift away, stranding swimmers far from shore.
Terrain plays a big role in enhancing wind speeds. Winds are often channeled
by nearby terrain features such as canyons and can cause winds to blow at speeds
not covered in the general forecast. It is also because of terrain enhancement
that winds are often stronger at Lakes Mead, Mohave, and Havasu than in places
like Las Vegas or Kingman. The three lakes lie along the Colorado River Valley
which is steep enough for winds to be channeled down or up the valley. Strong
gusty winds that are not associated with thunderstorms occur most often during
the spring. These winds are usually caused by low pressure systems moving through
northern Nevada and Utah. Strong southerly winds usually precede these systems,
then switch to the north as the system moves away. It is not uncommon for areas
along the Colorado River to experience winds sustained at 20 to 30 mph while the
Las Vegas Valley is only experiencing winds sustained at 10 to 20 mph.
Park officials at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area estimate that sustained
winds of 25 mph or greater are the most likely to create hazardous boating conditions.
For this reason, the National Weather Service Office in Las Vegas issues "Lake
Wind Advisories" and "Wind Advisories" for Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and
Lake Havasu. A "Lake Wind Advisory" applies only to the lake and is
issued when sustained winds greater than 25 mph are expected to last for 3 hours
or more. A regular "Wind Advisory" applies to the whole area, land and
lake, and is issued when either sustained winds of greater than 30 mph or frequent
wind gusts over 40 mph are expected. Sustained winds over 30 mph or gusts over
40 mph may also make driving hazardous, especially if driving a high profile vehicle
or towing a boat. When one of these advisories is issued, boaters will be advised
to either postpone their activities or exercise extreme caution if venturing out
in small crafts. A general rule of thumb...the longer the distance the wind travels
over the water, the larger the waves will be. When strong winds are expected,
it is best to avoid large stretches of open water such as the center of the lake,
where waves will be larger. Wind-generated wave heights are not only affected
by the orientation of the lake relative to the wind direction, but also differ
in height based on what side of the lake you are on.. For example, if you have
a large lake and winds are blowing from the west, waves on the east side of the
lake (the leeward side) will be larger than waves on the west side of the lake
(the windward side). Waves will be smaller in coves or inlets that are shielded
from the winds. If your boat becomes disabled during strong winds, throw an anchor
or empty bucket attached by a line into the water to slow drifting action.
Thunderstorm winds in particular pose a threat to boaters. Winds near a
thunderstorm can increase very suddenly and without warning, leaving boaters little
chance to seek shelter in time. Thunderstorms over area lakes can occur year-round
and at any time of the day. However...they occur most often during the afternoon
and evening hours from July to mid-September in association with the summer monsoon.
One of the biggest dangers thunderstorms pose for boaters is strong winds from
thunderstorm outflow boundaries. An outflow boundary occurs at the surface as
rain-cooled air descends and spreads out of a collapsing thunderstorm. Winds associated
with these boundaries increase very suddenly and frequently reach sustained wind
speeds of greater than 30 mph. These boundaries can travel for 100 miles
or more and are sometimes visible as walls of dust. Outflow boundaries that affect
Lakes Mead, Mohave, and Havasu often originate from thunderstorms near Las Vegas,
or along the Mogollon Rim in Arizona. These boundaries often produce new thunderstorms
along the leading edge. If a thunderstorm or thunderstorm outflow boundary is
approaching your location the best course of action is to get to shore, get out
of your boat, and find shelter away from the water as quickly as possible. If
you are unable to get to shore in time, prepare for choppy waters and make sure
everyone in your boat is wearing a life jacket. Secure people and heavy objects
in the center of the boat. Go to a sheltered cove or inlet and wait the storm
out. Better yet, on days when thunderstorms are possible, remain alert and head
to shore immediately when you see thunderstorms beginning to develop. Boat ramps
can get very crowded when everyone tries to get off the lake at once!
Always check the forecast before heading out to the lake. Pay special attention
to forecast wind speeds and thunderstorm potential. If a Lake Wind Advisory has
been issued or there is a high probability of thunderstorms occurring; you may
want to consider postponing your trip.
| | Lightning | All
thunderstorms are dangerous to boaters, swimmers, fisherman, and sunbathers, because
they contain lightning. Boaters are especially at risk from being struck by lightning
because they are often the tallest object in a large open space. A direct lightning
hit can damage or destroy vessels, overload navigational and electronic equipment,
and electrocute passengers.
Thunderstorms can occur at any time
of the day or year. Thunderstorms over The Lake Mead National Recreation Area
and Lake Havasu occur most often from July through mid-September in association
with the summer monsoon. Thunderstorms, especially during the summer can develop
and intensify very quickly. If you are out on the lake and notice thunderstorms
developing nearby, the best course of action would be to get off the lake and
seek shelter in a sturdy building or automobile. Lightning can travel up to ten
miles away from the parent thunderstorm, so even though there may be blue skies
overhead, you could still be in danger of being struck. Many lightning deaths
occur ahead of the storm because people wait until the last minute to seek shelter.
Do not wait for rain to fall before you take action! Desert thunderstorms often
produce little or no rainfall.
One method you can use to decrease
your likelihood of being struck by lightning is to follow the 30-30 rule. The
first "30" represents 30 seconds. If the time between when you see the flash of
lightning and hear the thunder is 30 seconds or less, the lightning is close enough
to hit you. The second "30" stands for minutes. After the last flash of lightning,
wait 30 minutes before leaving your shelter. Half of all lightning deaths occur
after a thunderstorm has passed.
If you are caught on the water during
a thunderstorms and cannot get to shore in time...the following guidelines will
help:
- Go to the center of your boat's cabin if it has one. If no
cabin is available, crouch down in the center of the boat and stay as low as possible.
- Do not touch anything metal.
- Do not fish, water
ski, or swim.
- Wear a life jacket at all times. A victim struck
by lightning can be rendered unconscious and fall overboard.
- Disconnect
and do not use or touch electrical equipment, including the radio for the duration
of the storm. Keep arms and legs in the boat, do not dangle them in the water.
- Lower, remove, or tie down radio antennas and other protruding devices
unless they are part of a lightning protection system.
- If your boat has
been struck by lightning, or you suspect it has been, check the electrical system
and the compass to insure that no damage has occurred.
- If someone is struck
by lightning, begin first aid immediately. Lightning victims do not carry a charge
and it is safe to touch them. Check to see if they are breathing and have a pulse...begin
CPR and call 911 if necessary. Check for burns. There will usually be two...one
where the lighting entered the body and one where it exited.
- Divers should
get out of the water and into a sturdy shelter or boat. If that is not possible,
dive as deep as possible for the duration of the storm.
- If your
boat has a lightning protection system, avoid making contact with any device connected
to that system. NEVER be in contact with two components connected to the system
at once. Should you have a hand on both when lightning strikes your vessel, the
lightning could travel through your body. The path the lightning takes would be
through your heart...a very deadly path.
Fore more information
on lightning safety, follow the links below:
Lightning
Safety tips for Mariners
Lightning
Safety from the National Weather Service | | Extreme Heat | Excessive
heat kills more people annually than any other weather hazard. During the summer,
temperatures along the Colorado River (including Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and Lake
Havasu) frequently rise above 110 degrees. Visitors to these lakes should take
precautions to protect themselves from excessive heat and watch for symptoms of
heat illnesses. The elderly, small children, people on certain medications, and
people with obesity problems are particularly susceptible to heat reactions.
To protect yourself from heat related illnesses while on the lake:
- Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, typically
between 11 AM and 7 PM.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Drink
plenty of water or other non-alcoholic fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.
Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided since they can worsen the effects of heat
on your body.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- If you
or someone else begins to shows symptoms of a heat-related illness, stop activities
and find a cool place. Seek medical attention if necessary.
Information on Heat Related Illnesses from the American Red Cross:
Stages
of Heat-related Illnesses
Heat-related illnesses usually
come in stages.
The signal of the first stage is heat cramps in muscles.
The signals of the next, more serious stage of a heat-related illness (often
called heat exhaustion) include- - Cool, moist, pale skin (the
skin may be red right after physical activity).
- Headache.
- Dizziness
and weakness or exhaustion.
- Nausea.
- The skin may or may not
feel hot.
The signals of the late stage of a heat-related illness
(often called heat stroke) include- - Vomiting.
- Decreased
alertness level or complete loss of consciousness.
- High body temperature
(sometimes as high as 105 F).
- Skin may still be moist or the victim may
stop sweating and the skin may be red, hot and dry.
- Rapid, weak pulse.
- Rapid, shallow breathing.
- Headache
This late
stage of a heat-related illness is life threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency
number. General Care for Heat Illnesses:
- Cool the Body.
- Give Fluids.
- Minimize Shock.
For heat cramps: Have him or her stop activity and rest.
If the person is fully awake and alert, have him or her drink small amounts of
cool water or a commercial sports drink. Gently stretch the cramped muscle and
hold the stretch for about 20 seconds, then gently massage the muscle. Repeat
these steps if necessary. If the victim has NO other symptoms of heat-related
illness, the person may resume activity after the cramps stop.
For
heat exhaustion: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest
in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give a half
glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not let him or her drink too quickly.
Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions
worse. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths such as towels
or wet sheets. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if the person refuses
water, vomits or loses consciousness. For heat stroke: Heat stroke
is a life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local
EMS number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Wrap wet
sheets around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, wrap them
in a cloth and place them on each of the victim's wrists and ankles, in the armpits
and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels. (Do not use rubbing alcohol because
it closes the skin's pores and prevents heat loss.) Watch for signals of breathing
problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down. |
| Extreme Cold | Although
you don't hear about it too often, cold weather does cause problems on area lakes
here in the desert. During the winter, average low temperatures along the Colorado
river (including the lakes) range from the lower 30s to the lower 40s. These cold
temperatures, especially when combined with gusty winds, can cause illnesses such
as frostbite or hypothermia. A person who becomes wet, either from spray, large
waves, or from falling overboard is particularly susceptible.
Hypothermia
occurs when exposure to cold causes loss of body heat. This can be a dangerous
medical conditions. Frostbite occurs when body tissue freezes, damaging the tissue.
Follow these tips to prevent hypothermia and frostbite:
- Stay dry and avoid the wind!
- Dress appropriately. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing
in several layers. Put on rain gear (including waterproof, insulated boots) before
you get wet, or consider a wet suit.
- Wear a hat, preferably one
that covers your ears. Most body heat is lost through your head.
- Move
arms, legs, fingers, and toes from time to time to keep blood circulating and
to keep warm.
- Remove wet clothing immediately and warm the body with
a blanket or sleeping bag.
- If you fall into cold water, do not
remove your clothing. It will help trap in body heat. Try to move as little as
possible.
- Wear a life jacket. It will help insulate against heat loss
and if you fall overboard it will reduce your need to move.
- If your vessel
is overturned or swamped, hang onto or climb onto it. Get as much of your body
out of the water as possible.
- If you are going to be in the water awhile
and you are wearing a life jacket, draw your knees to your chest and your arms
to your sides to protect the major areas of heat loss. This is referred to as
the Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP). If several people are in the water,
huddle together to conserve body heat.
Symptoms
and Treatment for Hypothermia
Symptoms of hypothermia include confusion,
dizziness, exhaustion, and severe shivering. Warm the person slowly. Remove wet
clothes and wrap the victim in a warm blanket or sleeping bag. Cover the head
and neck. Give the person warm, not hot, beverages that do not contain caffeine
or alcohol. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms do not improve or if
the body temperature drops below 95 degrees. Hypothermia can be a life-threatening
condition.
Symptoms and Treatment
for Frostbite
Symptoms of frostbite include grey, white or yellow
skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately
if you experience these symptoms. |
Links Lake
Elevations Arizona
Game and Fish Department
California
Department of Boating and Waterways
Lake
Mead National Recreation Area Official Website National
Safe Boating Council
Nevada
Division of Wildlife
Paddle
Smart
United
Safe Boating Institute Safety Brochure US
Bureau of Reclamation - Lower Colorado Region US
Coast Guard Auxiliary US
Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety
Virtual
Vessel Safety Check from the Coast Guard Auxiliary
|
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