Hello everyone! We have a dramatic and potentially dangerous situation unfolding in south-central Minnesota.
Early Monday morning, the 114-year-old Rapidan Dam on the Blue Earth River began to fail, leading to fears of severe flooding for at least 45,000 residents in the Minnesota River Valley. Let’s dive into the details of this developing story.
The dam, located about 90 miles southwest of Minneapolis, is at risk of completely giving way after heavy rainfall caused debris to accumulate and pressure to build. By mid-morning, water was already cascading over the dam’s concrete structure, putting the nearby city of Mankato and other surrounding areas in serious danger.
Officials have issued evacuation warnings to residents in low-lying areas along the Minnesota River Valley. Although an official evacuation order has not been given—since local law enforcement cannot mandate such an order—the risk is high enough that many residents have already chosen to leave their homes.
An Xcel Energy substation located at the dam was washed away, causing power outages for about 600 customers. The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office is aware of these outages and is working to address them, though the exact number of affected homes is not yet clear.
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for thousands living downstream until 4:30 PM. The river is expected to crest just below major flood stage by Tuesday morning, with twenty other cities, including Fairmont, also in the potential flash flood radius.
Governor Tim Walz has mobilized the state’s National Guard and emphasized the importance of monitoring the situation closely. The structural integrity of the dam, which has been a concern for years, is now more critical than ever. The governor and state emergency response officials are in close contact with local authorities to ensure the safety of residents.
As the water continues to rise and more debris is carried downstream, the situation remains volatile. Nearly 20 road closures have been announced, including major highways, as a precaution against the potential flooding. The City of North Mankato is building a levee to protect lower parts of the city, though no evacuations are currently required there.
JUST IN: The Rapidan Dam in Mankato, Minnesota is in imminent danger of failing.
According to officials, the dam may fail as debris continues to pile up around it. The dam was built between 1908 & 1910 for hydroelectric purposes.
Residents living downstream have been warned… pic.twitter.com/TsBnyF7rrE
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 24, 2024
Eric Weller, Blue Earth County’s emergency management director, stated that while the dam has been breached, they are continually assessing the situation. Officials are implementing the Rapidan Dam Emergency Action Plan, prepared for scenarios like this, to help manage the crisis and protect affected communities.
The dam, constructed between 1908 and 1910, is 87 feet high and 475 feet long. It has been under scrutiny for years, with a 2021 assessment recommending costly repairs or replacement. The county had begun the process of releasing its licensure exemption under federal energy laws, but no significant action had been taken before this disaster.
State and local authorities are now working around the clock to monitor the dam, provide resources, and ensure the safety of residents. The safety of many Minnesotans hangs in the balance, and we will bring you updates as they come in.