Beginning in late August 2011, heavy blue-green algae began showing up throught Rice Lake and Elm Creek (north). See below for some photos of the heavy blue-green floating algae taken in the north end of Elm Creek on August 22.

Dissolved oxygen readings during this time were still considered to be sufficient to support the fish population (levels were from a low of 7.03 mg/l up to 17.68 mg/l).


Elm Creek Blue-Green Algae Blooms (August 2011)
Blue-green floating algae on Elm Creek (taken 8/22/2011)
Distant photo of blue-green algae on Elm Creek (north) taken 8/22/2011
Oxygen levels began to decline beginning August 30 to the point where fish started dying in the creek (from Tristan Bay bridge past County Road 30 bridge). During this time, bullheads could be seen struggling for air at the surface. DO levels were sampled from a low of 0.10 up to 0.12 in the creek north of the main lake.

There does not appear to be any fish kill occurring in the main lake or on the West Bay of Rice Lake during this same period. Dissolved oxygen levels in those areas were more conducive to supporting all fish species.

September 1 - Dissolved oxygen levels slowly began to increase today (0.25 up to 0.57). The fish kill did not seem to increase since the previous two days.

Below are some photos taken on August 31 on Elm Creek just south of the County Road 30 bridge.
Commentary and photos by George Schneider (Lake Monitoring volunteer for Minnesota Pollution Control Agency)
September 2 - Dissolved Oxygen levels are higher today and closer to the norm in the creek. Readings were 8.01 mg/l at the surface and 2.90 1 meter down. Dead fish were not as noticeable on the lake, although the odor still exists.  No rain in the immediate area over the past 2 days.
September 3 - Dissolved Oxygen levels are higher today and an overnight rainfall of 0.57" seems to have improved water flow conditions. Readings today were 13.28 mg/l at the surface and 2.24 1 meter down. Dead fish were even less noticeable in the creek today. Water clarity in the creek is very poor with visibility (Secchi disk) less than 6".