Rapidan Dam failure leaves home teetering on collapse

The Rapidan Dam in south central Minnesota has suffered a partial failure but remains intact as of Monday afternoon. Officials say the failure was on the west abutment. The river flow is being diverted along the west side, leaving a nearby home at risk of collapse.

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[vintagelady]

Excellent reporting, condolences to family losing the house, but I hope the store has a chance there!

[UQRXD]

I stop living by a river 20 years ago and won't live next to one ever again. I was a stress.

[jimcroft]

Imagine this happening to your family home.. just heartbreaking 💔

[stonemagic]

that little dam was built to take a beating 120 years old wow..

[Richieay]

I understand the county has forgone routine maintenance of removing debris (the logs) that restrict the flow. This never would have happened but for this negligence.
The entire country has neglected our infrastructure by degrees for over 30 years and the results are critical imminent and catastrophic.

[ravennajade]

Really hurts my heart to see what their family is losing. Prayers.

[nicolehidden]

I remember going that store when I was a kid. Jenny and David are such good people. Hope this river leaves it alone.

[jimmyjones]

"The dam is plugged and the water is going around." No kidding. So maybe had the local city administrator done something to unplug the dam, maybe this could have been prevented.

[coldspring]

Such a crime to have to watch your home be destroyed through no fault of your own.

[davidmichael]

Never lived at the waters edge....for good reason. Prayers for this family.

[zoebear]

In Michigan, in 2020, the Sanford lake and the Wixom lake are no longer here, both dams gave way, i have never seen anything like it. Praying for you all!

[Nicole]

Thank God they are safe. The merchandise, home, and store can all be replaced. Praying all will work out for the family. 🙏🏽

[mr.e-khbq]

Man I swear the Midwest has the strongest people in America. I grew up in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota area. When weather or disaster strikes they are quick to overcome.

[jefffoutz]

Breaks my heart and angers me at the same

[joewoodchuck]

Some prevention could have helped a lot. They didn't even bother to try and remove the log jam.

[MrHondablink]

I worked in that substation over 20yrs ago. I'd hate to see inside after this. Those generators are shot.

[mho...]

just the beginning.... decades of ignoring infrastructure maintainence for warmongering will catch up, sooner of later!

[robinclark]

Too the family so sorry for your home😢

[thedarkslide]

The fun thing about this is:

1. Home insurance does not cover flooding damage.
2. Home insurance does not cover landslide damage.

I hope they got everything out they want to keep.

:(

[liberty-matrix]

100 year old dam, America's crumbling infrastructure.