Helmer_nelson Pond Middle
Cook County, MinnesotaLimited DataEutrophic
On the LakeGrade rubric Helmer_nelson Pond Middle fails the cutoffs — a TSI of 64 and persistent algal pressure put it in the bottom tier. 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. Within the 128 graded lakes of Cook County, Helmer_nelson Pond Middle sits at rank 117, near the bottom of the county list.
No invasive species are currently listed at Helmer_nelson Pond Middle — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Helmer_nelson Pond Middle, 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 2021-09-21. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Swimming Safety
Avoid swimming, very poor water quality, potential algae toxins
Water Quality Grade: F, Very Poor
Very murky, less than 2.5 ft of visibility. Trophic State Index: 64.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 2.5 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 64 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 4 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -14.114 m/yr | 3 |
| Phosphorus | ↑ Improving | -4.3 µg/L/yr | 4 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↓ Declining | +4.56 µg/L/yr | 4 |
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #117 of 128 lakes in Cook County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Helmer_nelson Pond Middle holds Grade F. 3 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- CHelmer_nelson Pond DeepCook County · 0.1 mi · Two grade letters higher (F → C)
- CCuffs Lake DeepCook County · 0.6 mi · Two grade letters higher (F → C)
- DCenter LakedeepCook County · 0.9 mi · Higher grade (F → D)
Nearby Lakes in Cook County
More Minnesota Lake Rankings
State Parks Near Helmer_nelson Pond Middle
Other Grade F Lakes in Minnesota
Eutrophic Lakes in Minnesota
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2021-09-21
Monitoring stations: 1