Lake Alice is a 3,067-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Ramsey County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 8 feet (12-foot average). Water quality is graded D based on 3 sampling years through 2023. Overall water quality is declining over recent sampling years. The lake supports 3 documented fish species including Northern Pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch. Compared to the 7 other monitored lakes in Ramsey County, Lake Alice ranks #5 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2023-10-17. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Lake Alice water quality
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Swimming Safety
Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk
Water Quality Grade: D, Poor
Very murky, less than 3.1 ft of visibility. Phosphorus level: 351.5 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 18.8 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 70.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 3.1 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | 351.5 µg/L | F |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 18.8 µg/L | C |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 70 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 8 ft |
| Average Depth | 12 ft |
| Surface Area | 3,067 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 182.7 mi |
Where to stay near Lake Alice
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Lake Alice
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 4 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -2.55 m/yr | 4 |
| Phosphorus | ↓ Declining | +50.7 µg/L/yr | 4 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↑ Improving | -29.49 µg/L/yr | 4 |
Water Temperature
Lake Alice averages about 70°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 72°F) and coldest in Nov (about 32°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 437 field readings (2010–2023) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Lake Alice water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #5 of 8 lakes in Ramsey County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Lake Alice holds Grade D. 3 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- CDevils LakeRamsey County · 19.3 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
- CDevils LakeBenson County · 20.6 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
- DPelican LakeRamsey County · 12.8 mi · Higher overall water quality score
Nearby Lakes in Ramsey County
Explore Lake Alice across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across North Dakota
Fish species and best lakes in Ramsey County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Top lakes and where to stay in the Devils Lake Region area
Where to stay at North Dakota's top lakes, each with its grade
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
North Dakota's cleanest and most-polluted lakes, ranked
More North Dakota Lake Rankings
Other Grade D Lakes in North Dakota
Eutrophic Lakes in North Dakota
Compare Lake Alice With Nearby Lakes
More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Lake Alice is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Lake Alice Dam (completed 1942), built primarily for fish and wildlife pond on the MAUVAIS COULEE-TR; earth-type dam, 13 ft tall and 1,356 ft long.
- Surface area
- 3,067 ac
- Normal storage
- 11,642 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 11,642 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 704 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Low
- Owner
- US FISH & WILDLIFE
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00322 · Operator website
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Depth, fish, and access data from North Dakota Game & Fish
Most recent sample: 2023-10-17
Monitoring stations: 1