Rapidan Dam Near Mankato Faces Imminent Failure Due to Flooding and Debris

Jun 24, 2024, 06:47 PM

The Rapidan Dam in Blue Earth County, Minnesota, near Mankato, is in imminent danger of failure due to severe flooding and debris accumulation. The dam, built between 1908 and 1910 for hydroelectric purposes, has experienced significant erosion on its west side. County officials, along with Xcel Energy, are addressing power outages and monitoring nearby bridges for debris. The Blue Earth River at the dam has risen 10 feet since last Thursday, although this level is still below historic flood crests. Residents living downstream have been warned and evacuations have been ordered for those in low-lying areas of the Minnesota River Valley. Emergency management and public works staff continue to monitor the situation closely, noting a partial failure on the west abutment but no current plans for a mass evacuation.