Storm Lake Max Depth is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Buena Vista County, Iowa. Water quality is graded D based on 2 sampling years through 2024. Overall water quality is improving over recent sampling years. Limited fish-species data available. Public access is available with 5 public boat landings. Compared to the 2 other monitored lakes in Buena Vista County, Storm Lake Max Depth ranks #2 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Iowa DNR, last sampled 2024-09-09. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Storm Lake Max Depth water quality
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Swimming Safety
Based on E. coli testing, Storm Lake Max Depth never exceeded the EPA safe-swimming threshold (235 MPN/100mL) — on 0% of 14 samples across 3 seasons.
This is a historical summary of past testing, not a current condition — bacteria levels change quickly, especially after rain. Always check Iowa’s current beach and health-department advisories before swimming.
Water Quality Grade: D, Poor
Very murky, less than 1.7 ft of visibility. Chlorophyll-a: 12.1 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 62.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 1.7 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 12.1 µg/L | C |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 62 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near Storm Lake Max Depth
Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Storm Lake Max Depth in Buena Vista County, Iowa — live availability and prices for your trip. Switch the map to Satellite to see the lake and how close each stay is to the water.
Top-rated places to stay near Storm Lake Max Depth
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Fishing Storm Lake Max Depth
Water Quality Trend: ↑ Improving
Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↑ Improving | +0.09 m/yr | 5 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↑ Improving | -6.89 µg/L/yr | 5 |
Recreation & Access
Current Conditions
Latest reading Jul 6, 2026, 5:00 AM from USGS gauge 05482140. See live data ↗ — readings update every 15–60 minutes; this page refreshes on each build.
Water Temperature
Storm Lake Max Depth averages about 75°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 78°F) and coldest in May (about 58°F). These are typical values by month — see Current Conditions above for the latest gauge reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 29 field readings (2010–2023) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Storm Lake Max Depth water temperature breakdown →
Location & Depth Map
Free interactive depth-contour map of Storm Lake Max Depth, reaching a maximum surveyed depth of 17 ft. Toggle Depth contours to overlay the bathymetric survey lines. Contour data from Iowa DNR.
County Ranking
Ranked #2 of 3 lakes in Buena Vista County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Storm Lake Max Depth holds Grade D. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- CArrowhead LakeSac County · 23.7 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
- CNewell Pit LakeBuena Vista County · 8.3 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
Nearby Lakes in Buena Vista County
Explore Storm Lake Max Depth across LakeGrade
More Iowa Lake Rankings
Other Grade D Lakes in Iowa
Eutrophic Lakes in Iowa
More records, surveys & data sources
EPA Impairment Status
Storm Lake Max Depth is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 5).
Causes of impairment
A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan has been approved.
Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit IA 04-RAC-1143 · Official waterbody report · Matched by proximity (0.58 km)
Lake Size & Watershed
Size, shoreline, and watershed area from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS). Mean depth is a modeled estimate.
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Impairment status from EPA ATTAINS 303(d) database
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2024-09-09
Monitoring stations: 1