Blue Earth County, MN, USA - June 24, 2024

Southern Minnesota faces a critical threat as the Rapidan Dam, constructed in the early 1900s, teeters on the brink of failure, local authorities warned Monday amidst widespread flooding across the Upper Midwest.

Blue Earth County officials issued an alarming statement via Facebook, declaring the dam at "imminent failure condition." The announcement has prompted urgent notifications to downstream residents and regulatory agencies.

"We cannot predict if the dam will completely fail or hold, but it's crucial to alert everyone," the county stated, acknowledging initial reports of debris accumulation at the site since Sunday. Teams from Blue Earth County Public Works, emergency management, and the sheriff’s office are actively monitoring the situation.

Concerns escalated following severe weekend flooding that claimed one life in South Dakota and triggered emergency responses across multiple states, including Iowa where President Joe Biden has approved a disaster declaration.

Although rainfall has eased, flood warnings persist across Mankato and southern Minnesota, South Dakota, and Iowa. The Blue Earth River's surging waters have eroded around the dam's west side, causing power disruptions and carrying damaging debris downstream.

Despite a "partial failure on the west abutment," officials confirmed the dam remains intact with no immediate plans for mass evacuations. Governor Tim Walz reassured Minnesotans of ongoing emergency management efforts to safeguard communities.

Built in 1910 and capable of generating 6 million watts of hydroelectric power, the Rapidan Dam has faced years of deterioration exacerbated by regular flooding and aging infrastructure. A 2021 county report highlighted the costly dilemma of either repairing or removing the dam.