Lake Mead drought

A stand-up paddle boarder takes a sunset cruise on July 2 near Hoover Dam at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area that is shared by Nevada and Arizona. A large bathtub-like ring circles the lake, marking the former water level.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

July 6, 2015 6:48 AM PT

More earth has been exposed and boat ramps and docks have been extended at Lake Mead Marina and Las Vegas Boat Harbor because of the drought.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The drought hasn’t shut down recreational activities at Lake Mead.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Boaters prepare to head out on the lake as popcorn-gobbling carp crowd around docks at Lake Mead Marina and Las Vegas Boat Harbor.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Tourists aboard the Desert Princess take photos of the sunset at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Water levels are at historic lows at Lake Mead.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A wake boarder enjoys the lake.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A rainbow forms over Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A boat that was once submerged is partially exposed at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Officer Stephen Neel of the National Park Service patrols Swallow Bay at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Christine Schrader, 66, tries stand-up-paddle boarding for the first time at Callville Bay at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Boaters jump into the warm waters in front of Hoover Dam.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Hungry carp crowd around docks at Lake Mead Marina and Las Vegas Boat Harbor at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Archaeologist Eva Jensen examines the foundation of a home in the old Mormon community called St. Thomas. The Nevada town was flooded with the building of Hoover Dam and the creation of Lake Mead. The drought has lowered the lake some 65-feet, exposing the town again.

(Bryan Chan / Los Angeles Times)

Archaeologist Eva Jensen stands on the foundation of a former school in St. Thomas. The Nevada town was flooded with the building of Hoover Dam and the creation of Lake Mead. The drought has lowered the lake some 65-feet exposing the town again.

(Bryan Chan / Los Angeles Times)