Lake at William O'Brien State Park is nearly dried up. Here's why.

Lake at Minnesota state park goes dry: What happened?

Lake Alice at William O'Brien State Park has dried up after a mechanical failure of the water control structure. FOX 9?s Corin Hoggard has the story.

MARINE ON ST. CROIX, Minn. (FOX 9) - Lake Alice at William O'Brien State Park in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota, is nearly dried up after a mechanical failure, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says. 

Lake Alice is dried up

Local perspective:

The Minnesota DNR says a mechanical failure of the water control structure on the lake has led to a "significant drawdown" of the water level on the lake. 

READ MORE: Valve failure dries Lake Alice, fish die in lower water levels

Only a stream remains on Lake Alice, which is expected to impact recreation on the lake for at least four to six weeks. The swimming beach is not usable at this time. 

Lake at Minnesota state park is dried up

Lake Alice at William O'Brien State Park has dried up after a mechanical failure of the water control structure. This has resulted in a "significant drawdown" of the lake level, the Minnesota DNR reported on Monday. "DNR is 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 swimming beach is not usable at this time. The lake drawdown has caused a fish kill in the lake," the DNR said.

Meanwhile, the low water levels on the lake have caused a fish kill. 

Fishing, boating and paddling is still available on the St. Croix River, with canoes, kayaks and paddleboards available for rental.

The DNR is responding to the issue, it says. 

Dig deeper:

The Minnesota DNR says Lake Alice is about 26 acres and is 9 feet deep. 

The lake is known for its fishing, with various species that include bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, yellow perch and bullhead.