Rapidan Dam failure: Home teeters on brink
The Rapidan Dam in south central Minnesota has suffered a partial failure but remains intact as of Monday afternoon. Officials say the failure was on the west abutment. The river flow is being diverted along the west side, leaving a nearby home at risk of collapse.
Officials say the failure was on the west abutment. The river flow is being diverted along the west side.
The good news is the partial failure may have taken the pressure off the dam, preventing a larger collapse.
Monday morning, Gov. Tim Walz and state emergency response officials provided an update on the statewide flooding response and were asked about the situation at the Rapidan Dam.
Gov. Walz, HSEM Director on Rapidan Dam status
State officials are asked about the status of the Rapidan Dam at a briefing on the statewide flood response in Minnesota. “Right now the integrity of the dam is intact, but we will continue to monitor it and be aware of what’s going on.”
“I know the structural integrity of the dam has been a question for a long time,” Gov. Walz said. “The removal of the dam has been a question that’s been up there.”
County officials are activating the Rapidan Dam Emergency Action Plan for Imminent Failure of the Dam including notification of potentially affected residents, impacted regulatory agencies, and other local agencies.
Drone video: Rapidan Dam suffers partial failure
The Rapidan Dam in southern Minnesota has suffered a partial failure, sending water over the side.
The biggest immediate threat from the diverted river flow is to a home directly along the river banks next to the dam.
As a result, a white house on the west side of the river has seen its foundation erode quickly. Officials say the home will likely collapse.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) announced that it will close Highway 169 north of Mankato to Highway 99 south of St. Peter Monday at 7 p.m. Traffic will be detoured to Highway 99, Nicollet County Road 13, and Highway 14.
Motorists are advised to check current road conditions at www.511mn.org, as road situations are rapidly changing.
North Mankato City Administrator Kevin McCann says the work is being done out of an abundance of caution.
McCann says, if the dam were to break, water levels could surge six inches to two feet initially.
Work continues after partial Rapidan Dam failure
Work is ongoing into the evening hours after a partial failure of the Rapidan Dam in southern Minnesota.
