About Crane Lake
Crane Lake is a shallow 30-acre lake in the City of Minnetonka just east of Ridgedale Center and south of Highway 394. The lake’s shallow nature means aquatic plants cover the entire lake bottom and emergent vegetation, like cattails, ring the lake’s edge. The land draining to the lake is approximately 40% residential, 10% parks, and 50% commercial/industrial (including Ridgedale Center), highway, and institutional. The water quality of the lake has been improving since 1990 and currently meets water quality standards. However, recent monitoring suggests chlorides (most likely from salt used on roads and parking lots) are on the rise in the lake and may pose a risk to aquatic life. The BCWMC and the City of Minnetonka will continue to monitor this lake and make improvements in the lake’s watershed as opportunities arise.Water Quality Data
Click thumbnails below to enlarge
Chlorophyll a
Water Clarity
Total Phosphorus
Links
Projects
Chloride levels in Crane Lake have risen significantly in recent years. Biological monitoring in the lake indicates that high chloride levels are likely impacting aquatic…
This project was constructed in conjunction with the reconstruction of Ridgedale Drive in the City of Minnetonka and treats runoff from 13.3 acres of developed land that…
Quick Facts
| BCWMC Classification | Priority 2 Shallow Lake |
| Watershed Area (acres) | 591 |
| Lake Size (acres) | 30 |
| Average Depth (feet) | 3.3 |
| Maximum Depth (feet) | 5 |
| Ordinary High Water Level (feet) | 920.5 |
| Normal Water Level (feet) | 917.1 |
| Downstream Receiving Waterbody | Medicine Lake |
| Location (City) | Minnetonka |
| MPCA Impairments | Chlorides |
| Aquatic Invasive Species | Curlyleaf pondweed |
| Public Access | No |
About Crane Lake
Crane Lake is a shallow 30-acre lake in the City of Minnetonka just east of Ridgedale Center and south of Highway 394. The lake’s shallow nature means aquatic plants cover the entire lake bottom and emergent vegetation, like cattails, ring the lake’s edge. The land draining to the lake is approximately 40% residential, 10% parks, and 50% commercial/industrial (including Ridgedale Center), highway, and institutional. The water quality of the lake has been improving since 1990 and currently meets water quality standards. However, recent monitoring suggests chlorides (most likely from salt used on roads and parking lots) are on the rise in the lake and may pose a risk to aquatic life. The BCWMC and the City of Minnetonka will continue to monitor this lake and make improvements in the lake’s watershed as opportunities arise.Quick Facts
| BCWMC Classification | Priority 2 Shallow Lake |
| Watershed Area (acres) | 591 |
| Lake Size (acres) | 30 |
| Average Depth (feet) | 3.3 |
| Maximum Depth (feet) | 5 |
| Ordinary High Water Level (feet) | 920.5 |
| Normal Water Level (feet) | 917.1 |
| Downstream Receiving Waterbody | Medicine Lake |
| Location (City) | Minnetonka |
| MPCA Impairments | Chlorides |
| Aquatic Invasive Species | Curlyleaf pondweed |
| Public Access | No |
Water Quality Data
Click thumbnails below to enlarge
Chlorophyll a
Water Clarity
Total Phosphorus
Links
- 2021 Crane Lake Monitoring Report
- 2016 Crane Lake Monitoring Report
- 2007 Water Monitoring Report for Crane and Westwood Lakes
- City of Minnetonka Surface Water Quality Reports
- 2001 Water Monitoring Report for Crane Lake
Projects
Chloride levels in Crane Lake have risen significantly in recent years. Biological monitoring in the lake indicates that high chloride levels are likely impacting aquatic…
This project was constructed in conjunction with the reconstruction of Ridgedale Drive in the City of Minnetonka and treats runoff from 13.3 acres of developed land that…