Flooded River Puts Southern Minnesota Dam in Imminent Failure Condition
Mankato, MN (KROC-AM News)- Emergency responders are monitoring a dam that is being pushed to the brink by a flooded river and debris floating in the water.
See Also: Historic Rain Sets Records, Floods Roads in Southeast Minnesota
The deterioration of the dam follows heavy rain that drenched southern Minnesota.
The record rainfall led to road closures and rapid rises in rivers across the southern part of the state.
High Water Puts Rapidan Dam in Imminent Failure Condition in Blue Earth County
One of the rivers swollen by the rainfall is the Blue Earth River in Blue Earth County.
The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office says the county’s emergency management agency became aware of debris accumulating at the Rapidan Dam, which is just over 10 miles southwest of Mankato, Sunday evening.
Officials found water rushing around the western side of the dam. It was described Monday morning to be in “in imminent failure condition.”
Officials say it’s not yet known if the dam will fail or if it will stay in place. As of Monday afternoon no evacuation orders have been issued.
A Facebook Post published on the City of Mankato’s Facebook page says officials are confident the city’s levee system will protect residents if the dam fails and sends high rushing water into the population center.
The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office says anyone who would be in immediate danger in the event of a dam failure has been notified.
More Minnesota News:
- Bicyclist Hit by Vehicle at Downtown Rochester Intersection
- Police Arrest Two Men for Rochester Knifepoint Robbery
- Body Found in Crashed Car in Southeast Minnesota, Driver Arrested
11 of the Most Devastating Weather Disasters in Minnesota Throughout The Years
Gallery Credit: Jessica Williams
More From KROC-AM
