Current:Home > FinanceFlooding leaves Rapidan Dam in Minnesota in 'imminent failure condition': What to know -AssetVision
Flooding leaves Rapidan Dam in Minnesota in 'imminent failure condition': What to know
View
Date:2025-04-18 10:32:20
The Rapidan Dam in Blue Earth County, Minnesota is in "imminent failure condition," according to the county government's official Facebook page.
According to the Facebook post, Blue Earth County Emergency Management was made aware of "accumulating debris" at the dam on Sunday, and the dam is currently being monitored by Blue Earth County Public Works, Emergency Management and Sheriffs Offices.
"We do not know if it will totally fail or if it will remain in place, however we determined it was necessary to issue this notification to advise downstream residents and the correct regulatory agencies and other local agencies," the Blue Earth County government said on Facebook.
"The river has significantly cut around the west side of the dam. Xcel Energy and county infrastructure has added to the debris in the river," the county government said on Facebook. "We are aware of power outages and are working with Xcel Energy."
The post also said the County Road 33 bridge and County Road 90 bridge are being "closely monitored for debris passing downstream" and may be closed.
According to the Blue Earth County government website, the Rapidan Dam was constructed between 1908 and 1910 and measures about 475 feet in length and about 87 feet from the top of the dam to the stream bed.
In a separate Facebook post, Blue Earth County government officials said anyone that is in immediate danger in regards to the Rapidan Dam have been notified, while noting that the dam is "currently intact" and there is not an evacuation order in place for Blue Earth County residents.
Rapidan dam location
Flooding to continue as storms in forecast for Plains
Across the northern and central Plains, communities reeling from record-breaking floods over the weekend remained under threat of rising rivers as floodwaters headed downstream and forecasts project more rain this week.
Scattered, fast-moving showers were slated to impact the region early this week before more organized thunderstorms bring heavy rain by Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
Last week, parts of the region were hit with a month's worth of rain in a span of 48 hours. Sioux Falls, South Dakota, received 6.33 inches of rain from Thursday to Saturday, with 10.8 inches of rain so far in June, according to AccuWeather.
"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.
Monday weather forecast:Central US to bake under scorching heat; flood threat persists in Iowa, Plains region
North Mankato, Minnesota declares flood emergency
North Mankato, Minnesota has declared a flood emergency Monday morning due to city crews building a temporary earth wall levee at the intersection of Lookout Drive and Lee Boulevard, city officials said in a Facebook post.
"These efforts are in response to the potential failure of the Rapidan Dam and to protect the City of North Mankato," the city government said on Facebook. "Additional roads will be closed as needed."
City officials said the river level is risky quickly and staff are "continuing to monitor river levels and the safety of North Mankato."
Minnesota flood watches and warnings
Contributing: Christopher Cann, USA TODAY
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.
veryGood! (1835)
Related
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Taylor Swift adds extra Eras Tour show to Madrid, Spain
- Panera Bread settles lawsuit for $2 million. Here's how to file a claim for food vouchers or money.
- Panera Bread settles lawsuit for $2 million. Here's how to file a claim for food vouchers or money.
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- Raquel Leviss Reacts to Tom Sandoval Comparing Cheating Scandal to George Floyd, O.J. Simpson
- Community searching for answers after nonbinary teen Nex Benedict dies following fight at school
- The Smokehouse Creek Fire in Texas has charred more than 250,000 acres with no containment
- Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
- Lynette Woodard wants NCAA to 'respect the history' of AIAW as Caitlin Clark nears record
Ranking
- Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
- Fans briefly forced to evacuate Assembly Hall during Indiana basketball game vs. Wisconsin
- Army personnel file shows Maine reservist who killed 18 people received glowing reviews
- The Smokehouse Creek Fire in Texas has charred more than 250,000 acres with no containment
- Average rate on 30
- Louisiana moves closer to final passage of tough-on-crime bills that could overhaul justice system
- Damaging storms bring hail and possible tornadoes to parts of the Great Lakes
- Sony to lay off 900 PlayStation employees, 8% of its global workforce
Recommendation
Paige Bueckers vs. Hannah Hidalgo highlights women's basketball games to watch
Boeing given 90 days by FAA to come up with a plan to improve safety and quality of manufacturing
Prince Harry was not unfairly stripped of UK security detail after move to US, judge rules
Washington man to plead guilty in 'killing spree' of 3,600 birds, including bald eagles
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
Lynette Woodard wants NCAA to 'respect the history' of AIAW as Caitlin Clark nears record
Chrysler recalling more than 330,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees due to steering wheel issue
2024 NFL draft: Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. leads top 5 wide receiver prospect list