Lake Alice at William O’Brien closed for rebuild until 2027
The Minnesota DNR says it will spend about $325,000 to replace Lake Alice’s 1960s-era water control structure at William O’Brien State Park in Washington County after a failed valve in August 2025 nearly drained the artificial lake, killing fish and closing the beach. Design work is slated for winter 2026, with permitting, land and archaeological surveys and other field work in summer 2026, and on-the-ground construction and dredging of the adjoining St. Croix River public access set to begin spring 2027 and wrap up in fall 2027. Public recreation on Lake Alice itself will be shut down until the project is finished, though the park’s river access will stay open in 2026 as water levels allow, meaning Twin Cities visitors can’t swim or paddle that lake for at least the next two summers. DNR officials say full replacement, rather than a patch job, is the most cost‑effective long‑term fix to make the impoundment and its outlet more resilient after the mechanical failure exposed just how vulnerable the system is. Metro park users who rely on William O’Brien for close‑in lake time will have to adjust plans and watch for periodic construction impacts along the St. Croix as the work gets underway.
📌 Key Facts
- A damaged valve in summer 2025 caused a mechanical failure that almost completely drained Lake Alice, triggering a fish kill and closing the beach.
- DNR plans a full replacement of the 1960s water-control structure and dredging at the St. Croix River access, with an estimated project cost of $325,000.
- No public recreation on Lake Alice will be allowed until project completion, currently projected for fall 2027, though the park’s river access will remain open as water levels allow.
📊 Relevant Data
Climate change is causing warmer lake water temperatures and shorter ice seasons in Minnesota lakes, potentially affecting long-term water level management and ecosystem health.
Climate change impacting Minnesota lakes — Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
As Minnesota's climate warms, walleyes are expected to persist in larger lakes but fade from smaller, warmer lakes, impacting fish populations in bodies like Lake Alice.
Impacts of climate change — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Minnesota has experienced a rise in rapid transitions between wet and dry periods due to climate change, resulting in flash drought conditions that increase risks to water resources.
Lakes & Coasts — UMN Climate Adaptation Partnership
In August 2025, Minnesota had no widespread drought, with statewide average precipitation above normal, indicating the Lake Alice drawdown was not exacerbated by dry conditions.
No widespread drought in Minnesota for first time in recent memory — MPR News
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