Is Horseshoe Lake Safe for Swimming?
Horseshoe Lake in Stearns County, Minnesota has a water quality grade of F (Very Poor). Avoid swimming, very poor water quality, potential algae toxins. Water clarity: 4 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 120 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 44.5 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Grade | F (Very Poor) |
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 4 ft |
| Phosphorus | 120 μg/L |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 44.5 μg/L |
| Maximum Depth | 57 ft |
| Location | Stearns County, Minnesota |
How does Horseshoe Lake compare?
With an overall water quality grade of F, Horseshoe Lake falls below the Minnesota state average of Grade C. It ranks #23 of 32 lakes in Stearns County by water quality score.
Water clarity (Secchi depth) sits at 4 feet. That falls into moderate clarity — typical for lakes with some nutrient enrichment. Algae levels (chlorophyll-a) measure 44.5 µg/L — elevated; risk of harmful algal bloom advisories increases at this concentration.