Iconic home near partially collapsed Rapidan Dam falls into Blue Earth River, Minnesota
The rapidly rising Blue Earth River caused a partial collapse of the 114-year-old Rapidan Dam in Minnesota on June 24, 2024. By June 25, the river had grown so much that it swallowed most of the iconic home on a nearby embankment.
On Sunday, June 23, Blue Earth County Emergency Management in Minnesota identified a significant accumulation of debris at Rapidan Dam, prompting immediate monitoring by Public Works, Emergency Management, and the Sheriff’s Office.
This situation led to power outages and road closures, specifically on County Road 33 bridge and County Road 90 bridge, which were closely monitored for debris passing downstream.
On Monday morning, June 24, the dam partially collapsed, leading officials to declare an “imminent failure condition.” In response, the City of North Mankato declared a flood emergency and constructed an earth wall levee at the Lookout Drive and Lee Boulevard Intersection. The levee, standing at 10.5 m (34.6 feet), was a precautionary measure against the rising water levels.
Over the next 24 hours, river levels continued rising and eroding the ground beneath an iconic house on a nearby embankment, until it finally swallowed it on June 26. The river level was recorded at 9 m (29.5 feet) and was expected to subside in the coming days.
According to a news release published on the same day, city staff stated that the threat of the river level had decreased and plans were being made to begin deconstruction of the earth wall levee.
By 07:00 LT on Thursday, June 27, crews commenced the deconstruction of the earth wall levee. City officials determined that the threat from the river level had diminished and, with levels continuing to decline, the precautionary levee was deemed unnecessary. Despite forecasts of potential rain, it was predicted that the rainfall would not impact the levee and require it to remain.
Authorities continue to monitor the potential build-up of debris at area bridges, with appropriate county and state agencies involved. The duration of the deconstruction process is currently unknown. Residents are advised to stay off the levee and avoid the work area.
References:
1 City of North Mankato Update Regarding Flood Emergency – News Release – June 26, 2024
2 Minnesota’s Rapidan Dam faces imminent failure after flooding breach – The Watchers – June 25, 2024
Featured image credit: AW Aerial (stillshot)
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