Minnetoga Lake

The LakeGrade rubric puts Minnetoga Lake at a C: clarity at 4.4 ft, 37 µg/L of phosphorus, and a TSI of 55 signal an intermediate trophic state. The lake's weakest score is on Secchi depth — the water looks more turbid than its phosphorus number alone would predict.

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. Minnetoga Lake reaches 27 ft at its deepest point — typical for Minnesota mid-sized lakes, with seasonal stratification but limited cold-water refuge. The lake is compact at 15 acres, with 0.8 miles of shoreline and little volume to buffer nutrient inputs. Within Hennepin County's 104 graded waters, Minnetoga Lake sits at rank 19, near the top of the local distribution.

No invasive species are currently listed at Minnetoga Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Minnetoga Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. No formal public access is documented at Minnetoga 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.