Overview

• The Minnesota DNR said the valve in the lake’s water-control structure likely failed mechanically, allowing water to drain nearly completely into the St. Croix River.
• The drawdown left only a narrow stream and triggered a fish kill among the lake’s stocked species, including bass, pike and walleye.
• Park officials closed the swimming beach and warned visitors that lake-based activities will be suspended for four to six weeks.
• DNR crews are repairing the control structure and conducting an investigation into the precise cause of the failure.
• Meanwhile, paddling and fishing remain available on the adjacent St. Croix River as recovery efforts continue at Lake Alice.