Willow Creek is an intermittent stream previously classified as a county ditch (County Ditch 18). It has historically been, and continues to be, managed as a stormwater conveyance system by the District.
Creek facts
| Tributary area | 2,923 acres |
| Downstream waterbody | Kohlman Lake |
| Creek length | 1.7 miles |
| Accountable municipalities | Gem Lake, Maplewood, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, Ramsey County |
Water quality
There is limited water quality data for Willow Creek. From 1977 to 1989, the District monitored stream water quality at the junction of Willow Creek and Kohlman Creek to assess the quality of water discharged to Kohlman Lake. The 1997 RWMWD Plan stated that dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature and fecal coliform counts all met then‑current MPCA standards, with some increases in fecal coliform counts during a rapid urbanization period of 1984 to 1989. Suspended solids and turbidity also generally met MPCA standards during this monitoring period. Stream water quality monitoring at the Ditch 18 location was discontinued after the 1990 evaluation.
Past projects
Notable District water quality improvement projects in the watershed include:
Willow Creek Drainage Improvements
More information
You can find detailed information on Willow Creek and its tributary area in our watershed management plan.