Rapidan Dam on brink of failure amidst severe flooding in Southern Minnesota

Southern Minnesota is currently grappling with an unprecedented deluge, putting the structural integrity of the historic Rapidan Dam at severe risk. Built in 1910 and located on the Blue Earth River, about 85 miles southwest of Minneapolis, the dam has reached what the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office describes as an “imminent failure condition.” This alarming situation follows weeks of heavy rainfall that have caused extensive erosion and debris accumulation at the dam site.

Recent assessments reveal that the dam has already suffered a “partial failure” on its west abutment. With the river overflowing, public safety officials are deeply concerned about the potential for a total collapse. “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,” stated the Sheriff’s Office in a public alert. As part of the Rapidan Dam Emergency Action Plan, local authorities have initiated a series of steps, including notifying residents and local agencies potentially at risk.

The flooding has also wreaked havoc on local infrastructure, with an Xcel Energy substation being swept away by the river, disrupting power for 600 customers. Xcel Energy has responded swiftly, deploying over 170 employees to restore electricity and manage the crisis. Ryan Long, president of Xcel Energy–Minnesota, emphasized the critical nature of their work, “We know people depend on electricity, especially during warm days and severe weather. We urge residents to stay safe as our crews work by avoiding any damaged electrical equipment and following all flooding precautions.”

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been proactive in addressing the disaster, noting that the state has received over 18 inches of rain in recent weeks, affecting 40 counties. With more rain expected, the governor stressed the priority of ensuring public safety and safeguarding infrastructure. Governor Walz also indicated plans to request a presidential disaster declaration should the damages meet federal thresholds. Meanwhile, traffic remains halted on the Blue Earth County Road 9 bridge, which crosses the river, as authorities prioritize public safety and assess the evolving situation.

The current crisis at the Rapidan Dam is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by aging infrastructure in the face of extreme weather events. This situation underscores the urgency of timely maintenance and upgrades to such critical structures, especially in an era where climate change is leading to more frequent and severe weather patterns.