More human remains found at Lake Mead, officials say

BOULDER CITY, Nev. — Human remains have once again been found at Lake Mead, the country’s largest reservoir.

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According to KSNV-TV and the Las Vegas Sun, the National Park Service announced the discovery Monday, saying a witness reported seeing the remains at Swim Beach in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, located along the Nevada-Arizona border, about 4:30 p.m.

“Park rangers are on scene and have set a perimeter to recover the remains,” the NPS said in a news release. “The Clark County Medical Examiner has been contacted to determine the cause of death.”

No additional details were immediately available about the incident, which remains under investigation, officials said.

The news comes just months after two bodies were discovered in the lake in May, including one from a possible homicide dating back to the 1970s or ‘80s, the Sun reported.

The reservoir’s levels dipped to historic lows this year amid a drought, falling below 1,041 feet last week, according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Dead pool – when low levels prevent the water from flowing to a dam – would occur at 895 feet, ABC News and NBC News previously reported.

Although it likely would take years for Lake Mead to reach the grim milestone, officials have been sounding alarms. Last summer, a water shortage forced fewer releases from the reservoir, which produces power at the Hoover Dam and provides drinking water to Nevada, California and Arizona, along with portions of Mexico, ABC News reported in June. More cuts could come next summer as officials attempt to replenish Lake Mead, according to the news outlet.

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Photos: Lake Mead inches closer to 'dead pool' water levels A formerly sunken boat is currently stuck nearly upright in a now-dry section of lakebed at the drought-stricken Lake Mead on June 23, 2022, in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

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