Lake Mead, when full, is the largest reservoir in the United States in terms of maximum water capacity. It is on the Colorado River about from the Las Vegas Strip southeast of the city of Las Vegas, Nevada, in the states of Nevada and Arizona. Formed by the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead is long when the lake is full, has of shoreline, is at greatest depth, with a surface elevation of above sea level, and has of surface, and when filled to available capacity, of water. However, the lake has not reached full capacity since 1983 due to a combination of drought and increased water demand. Owing to current low water level, Lake Sakakawea holds claim over Lake Mead in terms of America's largest reservoir by total area and water in reserve.