Hay Lake

Hay Lake sits at a C on the grading scale — not impaired, not pristine, with summer measurements that vary year to year. Secchi readings are the weakest of the three parameters, suggesting suspended sediment or algal biomass dominates the optical signal.

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. Among the 83 graded lakes in Washington County, Hay Lake sits at rank 39, above the county median.

No invasive species are currently listed at Hay Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Hay Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. No formal public access is documented at Hay Lake — most use is by shoreline residents and their guests. The grade is supported by multiple sampling years from Minnesota PCA volunteers and partner agencies, giving the letter a reasonably stable foundation.