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LakeQuality
D

Abel Lake

Cass County, MinnesotaLimited DataEutrophic

Abel Lake earns a D — measurements through 2022 show persistent nutrient pressure that limits clarity through the summer. The three sub-grades — clarity, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a — track close together, so no single parameter is dragging the average.

Eutrophic conditions are the baseline here: clarity drops noticeably in late summer, and dissolved oxygen near the bottom can become a concern. The lake's maximum depth is not yet documented in state morphometric records — context for its physical structure remains limited. The lake's surface area is not consistently recorded across state datasets — physical context remains partial. Abel Lake ranks 133 of 133 in Cass County — at the lower end of the locally monitored distribution.

No invasive species are currently listed at Abel Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Abel Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, last sampled 2022-09-20. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

Swimming Safety

Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk

Water Quality Grade: D, Poor

Murky, only visible to about 5.7 ft. Trophic State Index: 52.

MetricValueGrade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)5.7 ftD
PhosphorusNo data
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)No data
Trophic State Index (TSI)52Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Location

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County Ranking

Ranked #133 of 133 lakes in Cass County

Nearby Lakes in Cass County

Data Sources

Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal

Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards

Most recent sample: 2022-09-20

Monitoring stations: 1