Blue Earth County, MN – Late Tuesday night, a portion of a house closest to the Rapidan Dam was swept away into the river, prompting immediate action from local authorities.
According to the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred after the house’s foundation was severely undercut by the river. The house, located on the property nearest to the dam, succumbed to the eroding forces of the water. Public Works, Emergency Management, and Sheriff’s Office staff are closely monitoring the situation for downstream impacts, ensuring that the river’s altered flow does not cause further damage.
Safety measures have been implemented around the dam, including restricted pedestrian access and barricades on nearby roads. Viewers can park at designated areas but must stay clear of the coned-off sections. Any violations of these restrictions will result in fines.
Despite a partial failure on the dam’s west abutment, officials have confirmed that the dam itself remains intact. No mass evacuation plans have have been issued at this time. Continuous monitoring and assessment are underway to ensure public safety, with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) also involved in evaluating the situation. The river’s water levels, which peaked at 34,800 cubic feet per second, have started to decrease, offering some relief.
