Fears a Minnesota Dam Could Collapse Due to Flood Debris Buildup

People below a dam in Minnesota has been warned about the possibility of "immediate danger" due to deteriorating conditions.

There is accumulating debris at the Rapidan Dam in Blue Earth County.

Public Works, Emergency Management and Sheriff's Office staff are monitoring the situation.

County officials say the Blue Earth River has significantly cut around the west side of the dam, and Blue Earth is working with Xcel Energy following power outages in the area.

The County Road 33 bridge and County Road 90 bridge are also being closely monitored for debris passing downstream and remain on standby for possible shutdown.

Earlier, officials warned that the dam is in imminent failure conditon and notification of potentially affected residents, impacted regulatory agencies and other local agencies was underway.

Gov. Tim Walz and state emergency response officials provided an update on the statewide flooding response and were asked about the situation at the dam.

"We are continuing to monitor the status of the dam with local officials," said Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Kristi Rollwagen, KMSP-TV reported.