We awoke to full sunshine, and after a quick continental breakfast we headed to the Hoover Dam about a 10 minute drive from our lodging. We enjoyed some wonderful views of the dam and Lake Mead. As we walked across the top of the dam from the parking lot to the visitor center we noticed the low level of the lake which we were later informed was at 33% capacity. Each time we come here, it seems the lake level gets lower. (Notice the “bath tub ring” around the lake in the photo.) The low level is due to several years of low precipitation and the increase in population and water usage in the Southwest. Water rights present a constant problem for the states that share Colorado River which include California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado and Mexico. As the water levels in Lake Mead and the other Colorado reservoirs continue to drop, these problems will continue to get worse.

Since this was not our first visit to Hoover Dam and we were short of time, we decided to opt for the informational video and the 45 minute tour of the generator room. There are actually two generator buildings, one on each side of the dam. The tour is on the Nevada side. (The center of the dam is right on the Arizona/Nevada border and there are clocks on two of the intake towers, one showing Arizona time and the other showing Nevada time.) To get to the generator room, you take an elevator that drops about 500 feet from the top of the dam in just a couple of minutes. There is an intermediate stop along the way where you can view the “plumbing” that carries the water to the turbines below. It is an impressive view of the 8 generators (and the small service generator) from the balcony above where you can almost feel the power being generated.

We never cease to be amazed at the engineering feat of the dam’s construction over 90 years ago. Built in just 5 years between 1931 and 1936, it has made the development of the southwest states possible. In addition to being the home of nearly 100 million people it is also one of the largest year round, sources of fresh produce in the nation. All because of the water supplied from Hoover Dam and other dams along the Colorado River.

Following our tour of Hoover Dam, we drove to our friend’s home in Henderson, NV where we had a lovely dinner and visit. Tomorrow, we head for San Diego.