The Rapidan Dam in Blue Earth County, Minnesota, has been declared in an “imminent failure condition,” raising significant concerns among local authorities and residents. According to an official announcement made on the Blue Earth County government’s Facebook page, the county’s Emergency Management team was alerted to accumulating debris at the Rapidan Dam on Sunday. The Rapidan dam is currently under close surveillance by Blue Earth County Public Works, Emergency Management, and the Sheriff’s Office.
In their Facebook post, the Blue Earth County government emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the dam’s structural integrity. “We do not know if it will totally fail or if it will remain in place,” the post stated. The notice aims to inform downstream residents and relevant regulatory agencies of the potential risk, ensuring that necessary precautions are taken to safeguard the community.
Efforts to Manage the Crisis at Rapidan Dam
The situation at Rapidan Dam has been exacerbated by significant erosion around its west side, as well as additional debris from Xcel Energy and county infrastructure. “The river has significantly cut around the west side of the dam,” the county government reported, highlighting the compounded issues caused by power infrastructure debris. Xcel Energy is currently addressing power outages in the area, collaborating with local authorities to mitigate further risks.
Additionally, the County Road 33 and County Road 90 bridges are being closely monitored for debris flow. These bridges are critical for local transportation and may be closed if the debris situation worsens, potentially disrupting travel and emergency response times. Blue Earth County officials have assured the public that anyone in immediate danger has been notified, and while the Rapidan Dam;; dam remains intact, there is no current evacuation order for residents.
The Rapidan Dam, built between 1908 and 1910, spans approximately 475 feet in length and stands about 87 feet tall from the stream bed to the top. Its historical significance and structural integrity are now under scrutiny as emergency management teams work tirelessly to prevent a potential disaster. The county government continues to update residents through social media and its official website, stressing the importance of staying informed and prepared for any developments.
Governor Warns of Impacts on Crops, Businesses, and Families
Governor Tim Walz has emphasized that while no evacuation orders are currently necessary for larger communities downstream, the ongoing flooding situation will have significant repercussions for crops, businesses, and families. Speaking at the Democratic Governor’s Association press conference in Minneapolis on Monday, Walz highlighted the urgency and potential dangers of the situation. “This is a rapidly evolving situation, it’s gonna be very dangerous,” he said. Walz stressed the importance of adhering to road closures and flood warnings, advising residents to avoid crossing waterlogged roads and to evacuate if instructed.
The governor also indicated that the state is preparing to request federal disaster assistance as the situation intensifies. He mentioned that flood levels at the river are expected to reach 20 feet by the end of the week, surpassing the major threat threshold of 17 feet. “So far, that has not happened but we’re going to see many more road closures and we’re going to have to then start doing the assessment of damage,” he added. The anticipated rise in flood levels could lead to widespread damage, necessitating comprehensive relief efforts.
Flooding Continues as Storms Forecast for Plains
Communities across the northern and central Plains, already grappling with record-breaking floods from the weekend, face ongoing threats from rising rivers and additional rain in the forecast. The National Weather Service has predicted scattered, fast-moving showers for early this week, with more organized thunderstorms expected to bring heavy rain by Thursday. Last week, the region experienced an unprecedented deluge, with some areas receiving a month’s worth of rain in just 48 hours.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, recorded 6.33 inches of rain from Thursday to Saturday, accumulating a total of 10.8 inches in June alone, according to AccuWeather. This extensive rainfall has caused multiple rivers to overflow, impacting a vast area from southwestern Minnesota to northeastern Nebraska. “So much rain has fallen in a zone from southwestern Minnesota to northeastern Nebraska, including northwestern Iowa and southeastern South Dakota, that multiple rivers are on the rampage,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski. The ongoing and forecasted rains threaten to exacerbate the already critical flooding situation.
North Mankato, Minnesota Declares Flood Emergency
In response to the looming threat of flooding, North Mankato, Minnesota, declared a flood emergency on Monday morning. City crews have been working to build a temporary earth wall levee at the intersection of Lookout Drive and Lee Boulevard to mitigate potential damage. These measures are being taken as a precaution against the possible failure of the Rapidan Dam, which poses a significant risk to the city.
The city government has been proactive in informing residents via social media about the rising river levels and the continuous monitoring efforts by city staff. Additional road closures may be implemented as necessary to ensure public safety. The Blue Earth County Public Works, Emergency Management, and Sheriff’s offices are scheduled to hold a news conference on Tuesday at 9:00 am local time to provide further updates on the Rapidan dam’s status and its implications for the community. This coordinated effort aims to keep the public informed and prepared for any developments in the flood situation
