Gene Wash Reservoir | Lake Havasu City

Information

Landmark: Gene Wash Reservoir
City: Lake Havasu City
Country: USA Arizona
Continent: North America

Gene Wash Reservoir, Lake Havasu City, USA Arizona, North America

Gene Wash Reservoir is a man-made water storage facility located in western Arizona, USA. It serves as a critical component of the Central Arizona Project.

Visual Characteristics

The reservoir is characterized by its expansive, often calm water surface reflecting the surrounding desert landscape. The shoreline consists primarily of exposed rock and gravel, with sparse desert vegetation. Water levels fluctuate based on demand and inflow, altering the visible shoreline perimeter.

Location & Access Logistics

Gene Wash Reservoir is situated approximately 15 miles west of Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Access is via State Route 95 North, then turning west onto Parker Dam Road. The road leading to the reservoir is paved. Parking is available at designated pull-offs and a small lot near the dam. No public transport services this location.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The reservoir was formed by the construction of Parker Dam, completed in 1938. Parker Dam is a concrete gravity dam built by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Its primary purpose is to divert water from the Colorado River into the Colorado River Aqueduct and the Central Arizona Project, supplying water to Southern California and Arizona.

Key Highlights & Activities

Boating and fishing are permitted on the reservoir. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also possible. Observation of Parker Dam is a primary activity. Birdwatching is common due to the presence of waterfowl and desert species.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the Parker Dam overlook area. Shade is limited to natural rock overhangs and personal shade structures. Cell phone signal is intermittent to non-existent within the reservoir area. No food vendors are present at the reservoir itself; provisions should be made prior to arrival.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning and late afternoon offer optimal lighting conditions with lower sun angles. The best months for visiting are October through April, avoiding the extreme summer heat. Water levels are generally stable, with no specific tide requirements.

Facts & Legends

Parker Dam is the deepest dam in the world, with 235 feet of its structure submerged below the riverbed to anchor it in bedrock. This depth was necessary due to the soft alluvial deposits of the Colorado River at the dam site.