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LakeQuality
C

Little White Oak Lake

Itasca County, MinnesotaEutrophic

The LakeGrade rubric puts Little White Oak Lake at a C: clarity at 3.3 ft, 28 µg/L of phosphorus, and a TSI of 56 signal an intermediate trophic state. Secchi readings are the weakest of the three parameters, suggesting suspended sediment or algal biomass dominates the optical signal.

A TSI in the eutrophic range signals a lake doing what nutrient-loaded waters do — supporting an active algal community at the cost of clear water. 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 141 graded lakes of Itasca County, Little White Oak Lake sits at rank 126, near the bottom of the county list.

Little White Oak Lake has no invasive species recorded in Minnesota state databases as of 2024, though prevention practices still apply at all access points. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Little White Oak Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. A documented public access point at Little White Oak Lake makes the lake usable for shore fishing, paddle craft, and trailered boats. 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 2024-06-13. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

Swimming Safety

Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality

Water Quality Grade: C, Fair

Very murky, less than 3.3 ft of visibility. Phosphorus level: 28 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 56.

MetricValueGrade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)3.3 ftF
Phosphorus28 µg/LB
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)No data
Trophic State Index (TSI)56Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Location

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County Ranking

Ranked #126 of 141 lakes in Itasca County

Nearby Lakes in Itasca County

DNR Reports & Resources

Minnesota DNR LakeFinder publishes lake survey, fish stocking, water access, and aquatic plant data for Little White Oak Lake. 2 reports on file.

Data Sources

Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal

Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards

Most recent sample: 2024-06-13

Monitoring stations: 1