Minn. Blue Earth River Dam Breaks, Prompts Flash Flood Warnings

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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz waits to speak to the press on June 3, 2020 in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

OAN’s Brennan Cooney
5:12 PM – Monday, June 24, 2024

A Minnesota dam has failed, prompting flash flood warnings and evacuations.

The Rapidan Dam gave out on Monday, after local authorities warned heavy rains were creating “failure conditions.”

JUST IN: The Rapidan Dam in Mankato, Minnesota is in imminent danger of failing.

According to officials, the dam may fail as debris continues to pile up around it. The dam was built between 1908 & 1910 for hydroelectric purposes.

Residents living downstream have been warned… pic.twitter.com/TsBnyF7rrE

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 24, 2024

Rain reportedly created serious erosion on the west side of the dam, moving water around the already-aging structure and further undermining it’s stability.

During a briefing this morning on the condition of the dam prior to its collapse, Governor Tim Walz (D- Minn.) acknowledged it had been in subpar condition for some time prior.

I gathered my team of emergency management officials for a briefing on the state’s ongoing emergency flood operations.

As flooding continues, we’re working around the clock to ensure impacted areas have the support they need to respond and recover. pic.twitter.com/EGoiK1DDIo

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) June 24, 2024