Eagle Lake

On the LakeGrade rubric Eagle Lake fails the cutoffs — a TSI of 71 and persistent algal pressure put it in the bottom tier. The two scored sub-grades — clarity and phosphorus — track close together, so neither one is dragging the average down.

The hypereutrophic status — TSI 71 — reflects sustained heavy nutrient loading from the surrounding watershed and frequent algal pressure. Eagle Lake is a shallow lake at 14 ft maximum depth, which means it warms quickly, mixes constantly, and amplifies nutrient inputs. At 183 acres, Eagle Lake fits the Minnesota median for monitored lakes, with 2.5 miles of shoreline. Within Carver County's 40 graded lakes, Eagle Lake ranks 27 — below the local median, though not at the bottom.

Eagle Lake carries an invasive watermilfoil record — boat-launch decontamination and shoreline care matter more here than at uninfested lakes. The fishery includes walleye among the lake's 8 documented species — a notable draw for Minnesota anglers. Public access is available — the lake is on the Minnesota PCA public-access list. The lake has a partial ice record — 9 observed ice-outs, centered near Mar 27. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.