Minneapolis, MN — A stuck valve at Lake Alice, a popular man-made lake northeast of the Twin Cities, has left the waterbody nearly empty and killed most of the fish that once lived there. The 26-acre lake, located in William O’Brien State Park, had been a well-known fishing spot until the mishap earlier this summer.
How the Lake Drained
According to The Cool Down, staff had opened a valve at Lake Alice to reduce rising water levels after heavy rains. When they returned to shut it, the valve was stuck open, and water drained out almost entirely.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued a warning to visitors:
“Visitors should be aware that only a stream remains on Lake Alice at this time, impacting water recreation.”
The Parks and Trails Department also posted photos on Facebook showing the near-empty lake.
A Popular Fishing Spot Impacted
Lake Alice was typically full of species such as:
- Bluegill
- Crappie
- Largemouth bass
- Northern pike
- Walleye
- Yellow perch
- Bullhead
With the water drained, nearly all of these fish have died, disrupting both recreational use and the lake’s ecosystem.
Why It Matters
Man-made lakes, when properly maintained, can support local ecosystems by providing habitat for aquatic life. The sudden loss of water at Lake Alice shows how fragile these systems can be when infrastructure fails.
“Any body of water that dries up entirely can have environmental impacts, including harm to these plants and animals,” the DNR noted.
More broadly, lakes and reservoirs across the U.S. are facing growing threats:
- Lake Mead, the country’s largest reservoir, is projected to reach a record low by 2027.
- Utah’s Great Salt Lake is rapidly approaching a critically low level, alarming scientists and residents alike.
- Human-caused pollution, rising temperatures, and worsening drought conditions are fueling this trend.
Next Steps for Lake Alice
Officials have not provided a timeline for when Lake Alice will be restored. For now, recreation at William O’Brien State Park is focused on the St. Croix River, where activities like kayaking and fishing remain available.
Park officials encourage visitors and residents to think about water use and infrastructure resilience. Individuals can help by:
- Taking shorter showers and conserving household water.
- Avoiding leaving faucets running needlessly.
- Urging leaders to invest in modern infrastructure that protects aquatic ecosystems.
The Bigger Picture
Lake Alice’s situation is a reminder that water resources are not guaranteed, even in areas far from desert climates. As climate change accelerates and infrastructure ages, lakes and rivers could face similar challenges nationwide.
“To truly protect our future water supplies, both communities and individuals must play a role,” environmental experts say.
What are your thoughts on Lake Alice’s draining and its impact on local wildlife? Share your views in the comments below.
