Severe flooding from the Blue Earth River caused a partial failure on the west abutment of the Rapidan Dam in Minnesota, leading to power outages and structural concerns. Despite emergency responses and past assessments, the incident underscores challenges with aging dam infrastructure.
Partial Failure at Minnesota’s Rapidan Dam Amid Flooding
On June 24, 2024, Rapidan Dam, located near Mankato, Minnesota, endured partial failure on its west abutment due to severe flooding from the Blue Earth River. Extreme rainfall across the Upper Midwest contributed to the incident.
Officials labeled the dam an “imminent threat” early Monday, but by Tuesday, it remained intact. Approximately 600 households experienced power outages when a nearby substation was destroyed by floodwaters. The dam dates back to 1910 and has faced significant weather-related damage previously, notably during a major flood in 2019.
Emergency responses included evaluations by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. A nearby campground and bridge were closed as a precaution. Currently, no mass evacuations have been ordered.
The dam’s structural concerns had been flagged in past assessments, including a 2023 report rating it in poor condition. Despite some signs of stabilization, the ongoing risks highlight broader challenges of aging dam infrastructure across the U.S.
