Is Upper Red Lake: West-Central Safe for Swimming?
Upper Red Lake: West-Central in Beltrami County, Minnesota has a water quality grade of C (Fair). Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality. Water clarity: 2 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 41.5 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 13.4 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Grade | C (Fair) |
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 2 ft |
| Phosphorus | 41.5 μg/L |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 13.4 μg/L |
| Maximum Depth | 15 ft |
| Location | Beltrami County, Minnesota |
How does Upper Red Lake: West-Central compare?
With an overall water quality grade of C, Upper Red Lake: West-Central matches or beats the Minnesota state average of Grade C. It ranks #66 of 85 lakes in Beltrami County by water quality score.
Water clarity (Secchi depth) sits at 2 feet. That signals heavy algae or sediment, often tied to high phosphorus from runoff. Algae levels (chlorophyll-a) measure 13.4 µg/L — moderate; acceptable for swimming on most days, but worth checking advisories.