Minnesota's Rapidan Dam on Verge of Collapse After Severe Flooding

Dam Facing Imminent Failure, Emergency Management Warns

Two Repair Options Identified in 2021 Study

The Rapidan Dam near Mankato, Minnesota, is in an imminent failure condition after recent severe flooding of the Blue Earth River, according to local emergency management officials.

A key dam in Minnesota is facing imminent failure as a result of the heavy flooding that has hit the region. The Rapidan Dam in Blue Earth County is in a precarious state, and engineers on site predict that if it fails, it could lead to an increase in water levels of 6 inches to 2 feet.

In 2021, a study was conducted to identify feasible solutions for the dam's state of disrepair. Two options were identified: repairing the existing dam or building a completely new one. However, a new dam would take 10 years to complete.