Visitors are being warned to avoid Lake Alice in William O’Brien State Park in northern Washington County after a dam failure over the weekend caused a “significant drawdown” of the lake level, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officials said.

The swimming beach at the lake is closed, and there has been a fish kill in the lake, according to an alert posted on the park’s website.

DNR officials are “responding to the issue, but visitors should be aware that only a stream remains on Lake Alice at this time, impacting water recreation on Lake Alice for at least four to six weeks,” the alert states.

The level of Lake Alice, which is a manmade lake, had been rising over the last month due to precipitation, and DNR crews over the weekend opened the lake’s water-control structure’s valve to release excess water into the St. Croix River, said Lauren Peck, a spokeswoman for the agency.

“Unfortunately, the valve had a mechanical issue, which has caused it to be stuck open, thus causing the lake to drain,” Peck said. “We are working on next steps to get this fixed and restore the lake.”

It was not immediately clear how many fish were killed.

According to the DNR, Lake Alice, which is 26 acres, is normally 9 feet deep. “(It) is a great fishing resource where you can catch a wide variety of fish,” the post on the DNR’s website states. “This beautiful lake is a great place to canoe and enjoy spectacular scenery while wetting a line.” Species generally present in the lake include bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, yellow perch and bullhead.

Fishing, boating and paddling is available on the St. Croix River, and rentals of canoes, kayaks and paddleboards continue to be available for use on the river, DNR officials said.

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