Entire Minnesota lake vanishes, killing most fish, after DNR valve failure

One wrong turn of a valve, and an entire Minnesota lake vanished.

Lake Alice at William O’Brien State Park is now little more than a muddy basin strewn with dead fish, after a Department of Natural Resources mishap drained the popular swimming and fishing spot nearly dry.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said the incident began in July, when staff partially opened a valve on the lake’s 65-year-old water control structure after heavy rains pushed water over the earthen dike, raising erosion concerns.

On Aug. 8, staff opened the valve further. When they attempted to close it the next day, the closure mechanism failed, leaving the valve stuck open and the lake nearly emptied.

“Lake Alice experienced a near total water level drawdown due to a mechanical issue with a valve in the 65-year-old water control structure,” the DNR said in a press release.

The agency said the dike itself and the control structure have not failed, and there are no downstream risks.

The drained lake quickly drew national attention, with the New York Times reporting that nearly all of the fish in the lake have died. The account Libs of TikTok posted on X: “Meet Tim Walz appointed Director of Natural Resources Sarah Strommen. Her Department just DRAINED A LAKE after they accidentally left a valve open. Now there’s just a field of dead fish.”

Meet Tim Walz appointed Director of Natural Resources Sarah Strommen.

Her Department just DRAINED A LAKE after they accidentally left a valve open.

Now there’s just a field of dead fish.

Sarah was celebrated as the first woman to lead the Dept of Natural Resources in MN. pic.twitter.com/cLhyvDdlRF

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 12, 2025

Strommen, appointed by Gov. Tim Walz in 2019, was celebrated as the first woman to lead the DNR.

“Sarah Strommen built her career integrating science and policymaking across sectors, and has a deep understanding and appreciation for our natural resources,” Walz said in 2019 press release. “She embraces our vision for One Minnesota and will work to build consensus among citizens and stakeholders alike.”

The fish kill has closed swimming and boating on the lake, but the DNR emphasized that William O’Brien State Park remains open. Hiking, picnicking, and camping are still available, and canoe and kayak rentals continue on the nearby St. Croix River, which was not impacted.

DNR staff are assessing the structure to determine repair options and a timeline for refilling the lake.

The post Entire Minnesota lake vanishes, killing most fish, after DNR valve failure appeared first on Alpha News MN.