Crews work to stabilize Faribault dam damaged in flooding
FARIBAULT, Minn. — Crews in southern Minnesota are working to stabilize a dam damaged from recent flooding.
The City of Faribault says the north side of the dam next to the Faribault Mill and south of Slevin Park is suffering from "flood-related erosion" on its north side.
The full extent of the damage will not be determined until the water fully recedes.
People are asked to avoid the area and not proceed beyond barricades and police tape within Slevin Park.
City officials do not believe there is an immediate risk to the public.
Crews will continue to monitor the situation.
Last week, the Rapidan Dam south of Mankato experienced a partial failure due to flooding on the Blue Earth River. Erosion of a nearby embankment caused a family's home to collapse into the river. The iconic Rapidan Dam Store was also bought and demolished by Blue Earth County before it suffered the same fate.
City leaders say it is far less concerning than the much larger and powerful Rapidan Dam.
"We are in a good position, everything is receding right now," said National Weather Service lead forecaster Michael Griesinger.
Griesinger says that's likely going to change by Thursday with another 2-4" of rain on the way.
"It's unlikely we are going to be getting the lofty heights we saw with the peak of this flood, but certainly enough where you get your continued flooding," Griesinger said.
Residents are hopeful the dam won't fail and Slevin Park and the historic Faribault Wool Mill stay above water.