Background on Rice Lake drawdown needs
The lake is controlled by a dam on Elm Creek. This allows the Rice Lake Area Association and City of Maple Grove to control the lake level when necessary. The lake basin receives water from various sources (creeks, residential and commercial drainage systems, etc.) which cover over 100 square miles in the northwest Hennepin County area. High levels of phosphorous enter the lake from these many sources and contribute to accelerated and heavy weed growth. In some situations, this heavy weed growth impedes or halts navigation by water craft.
Rice Lake Association members have tried harvesting and spraying the weeds, but these solutions are only temporary and not very effective in covering such a broad area. A more efficient way of attacking the problem is by doing a drawdown in the winter months and exposing the lake bottom to the elements. A good hard freeze without snow cover, similar to what we've experienced most of this winter so far, could be very beneficial in stunting the growth of weeds for the next year and possible future years.
The Minnesota DNR has directed the RLAA to install and run an aeration system during the winter months to help sustain the fish life with extra oxygen (since the drawdown should be lowering the oxygen level with the reduced amount of water). The area is posted with signs warning of Thin Ice in the vicinity.
Saturday, October 30 - Drone views of West Bay
(Thanks for Luke Johnson for sharing)
March 23, 2022 - Dam Bypass pipe
(Thanks for George Schneider for sharing)
March 21, 2022 - Various locations around Rice Lake/Elm Creek
(Thanks for Maple Grove City Staff for sharing)
March 29, 2022 - Water almost over the Dam
(Thanks for Hente Braam for sharing)
April 2, 2022 - Dam & Bypass pipe
(Thanks to Rick Stulac for sharing)
April 7, 2022 - Dam & Bypass pipe
(Thanks to City of Maple Grove for sharing)
