Lakes – Basin Length, Width, Fetch

This data layer depicts components of lake basin morphology. It was developed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Lake basin morphology can be summarized in multiple ways. Three useful indicators are length, width, and fetch - the maximum distance wind can travel unimpeded over a body of water. The morphology of a lake governs the physical and biological processes that occur within. Maximum length and width can help characterize the shape of a lake while fetch can indicate whether a lake is susceptible to wind-driven mixing.