Susan Lake

On the scoring rubric Susan Lake grades a D: clarity at 2.5 ft and 82 µg/L of phosphorus keep it in the lower bracket for Carver County. The three sub-grades — clarity, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a — track close together, so no single parameter is dragging the average.

At a TSI of 66, Susan Lake reads as eutrophic — nutrient-rich enough that summer algal growth and reduced clarity are expected, not unusual. Susan Lake reaches 17 ft at its deepest point — typical for Minnesota mid-sized lakes, with seasonal stratification but limited cold-water refuge. The lake is compact at 88 acres, with 1.5 miles of shoreline and little volume to buffer nutrient inputs. Within Carver County's 40 graded lakes, Susan Lake ranks 25 — below the local median, though not at the bottom.

Susan Lake carries an invasive watermilfoil record — boat-launch decontamination and shoreline care matter more here than at uninfested lakes. Walleye are documented at Susan Lake, one of 11 fish species on record for the lake. A documented public access point at Susan 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.