The Rapidan Dam in Blue Earth County, Minnesota, is currently facing a potential failure, causing concern among residents in the area as water levels continue to rise. Blue Earth County Emergency Management officials have been actively monitoring the situation and have notified individuals who may be at risk of the impending disaster.
Although the dam is currently intact, officials are closely monitoring the situation to determine if it will hold or completely fail. Residents downstream of the dam have been alerted to the potential danger to ensure their safety. The water level at the dam was reported to be 28 feet, with the levee system capable of withstanding up to 39.5 feet.
According to Blue Earth County officials, if the Rapidan Dam were to fail, there could be a surge of up to 2 feet in the river level. The City of Mankato has expressed confidence in the levee system’s ability to hold and has not issued any evacuation orders for residents in the area. Xcel Energy has also been mobilizing resources to protect a nearby substation in anticipation of any potential damage.
Governor Tim Walz and state emergency response officials have been actively involved in monitoring the situation and providing updates to the public. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Kristi Rollwagen assured that resources are being deployed to support cellular communications in the area. While the dam’s structural integrity has been a concern for some time, officials are working diligently to ensure the safety of residents.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the county until Monday afternoon. As a precautionary measure, exit and entrance ramps on Highway 169 at Lookout Drive in Mankato and North Mankato have been closed, and officials are constructing earthen dikes to redirect runoff and protect the surrounding areas.
The community is urged to stay informed and prepared for any potential developments regarding the Rapidan Dam. It is essential to follow the guidance of local authorities and emergency management officials to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in the area. As the situation continues to evolve, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and ready to respond to any emergency notifications.