(ABC 6 News) – According to officials from Blue Earth County, the Blue Earth County Public Works, Emergency Management, and Sheriff’s Office are continuing to monitor the Rapidan Dam situation. Importantly, there have been no significant changes made to the dam’s structure, providing a sense of continuity in the situation.

The county and its partners remain onsite and continue researching and evaluating options, assessing, inspecting, and collaborating.  They monitor and measure water levels and bank losses.  The channel profile at the bridge lowered overnight. 

Both the bridge and dam remain stable. However, the water velocity continues to hinder mitigation efforts. On Wednesday, county officials were able to remove a structure from the property on the west side of the dam to prevent additional debris from entering the river. 

Today, in a proactive move to prevent further damage, the County pavilion was also removed for the same reasons.

Statement from Blue Earth County: The County appreciates the dedicated staff, contractors, media and the public who have assisted with the situation. There are no plans for further media releases or press conferences today unless there are substantial changes in the situation.

PREVIOUS STORY: – The Blue Earth County Public Works, Emergency Management, and Sheriff’s Office have updated the status of the Rapidan Dam

Both state and federal partners and contractors were onsite last evening and this morning to assess the situation. Those monitoring the dam have seen dramatic changes overnight and this morning, as the channel around the west abutment of the dam continues to cut broader and more profound,

Currently, there is little to no flow through the dam’s gates, as the majority of the flow is going around the west side of the dam. Although the water flow has slowed slightly, it still flows at a rate that inhibits emergency mitigation strategies.

Given the recent erosion, the focus has shifted from the dam to the bridge. Officials are continuing to work with downstream communities as the situation develops. Their main concern is the safety of the community.

A new update is expected this afternoon.

PREVIOUS STORY: The Rapidan Dam is still showing the possibility of collapsing due to raging waters and piling debris.

However, authorities say it will not destroy Mankato if it does collapse.

Blue Earth County Emergency Management officials say a national inspection deemed the dam as satisfactory just last month.

Crews still have been unable to remove the debris clogging the dam.

As of 9:45 PM on Tuesday night, a portion of the house on the property closest to the Rapidan Dam had been undercut enough to have fallen into the river. Blue Earth County Public Works, Emergency Management, and Sheriff’s Office are monitoring for downstream impacts.

Additional information is expected by 10 AM on Wednesday morning.