Wallmark Lake
Chisago County, MinnesotaEutrophic
Wallmark Lake grades an F: water clarity, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a all rate poorly, placing it among the most stressed lakes monitored in Minnesota. The three sub-grades — clarity, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a — track close together, so no single parameter is dragging the average.
At a TSI of 68, Wallmark Lake reads as eutrophic — nutrient-rich enough that summer algal growth and reduced clarity are expected, not unusual. 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. Wallmark Lake ranks 29 of 31 in Chisago County — at the lower end of the locally monitored distribution.
Wallmark 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 Wallmark Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. No formal public access is documented at Wallmark Lake — most use is by shoreline residents and their guests. Multiple sampling years from Minnesota PCA volunteers and partner agencies back the grade, so the letter should hold steady absent a major watershed shift.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, last sampled 2024-09-16. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Swimming Safety
Avoid swimming, very poor water quality, potential algae toxins
Water Quality Grade: F, Very Poor
Very murky, less than 1.6 ft of visibility. Phosphorus level: 115 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 26.5 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 68.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 1.6 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | 115 µg/L | F |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 26.5 µg/L | D |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 68 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -0.06 m/yr | 5 |
| Phosphorus | ↓ Declining | +0.7 µg/L/yr | 5 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↑ Improving | -0.65 µg/L/yr | 3 |
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #29 of 31 lakes in Chisago County
Nearby Lakes in Chisago County
More Minnesota Lake Rankings
State Parks Near Wallmark Lake
Other Grade F Lakes in Minnesota
Eutrophic Lakes in Minnesota
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2024-09-16
Monitoring stations: 1