Authorities in Blue Earth County are warning community members about the current condition of the Rapidan Dam on the Blue Earth River as rain and debris continue to strain conditions in the area, saying the dam “is in imminent failure condition.”

Although authorities say they don’t know if the dam will totally fail or if it will stay in place, they are warning downstream residents and other agencies about its condition. The dam is south of Mankato, but north of the Watonwan and Blue Earth River split.

As of 11:30 a.m., the sheriff’s office says the dam is still intact, and no evacuation order has been put in place for Blue Earth County residents. In addition, authorities add anyone who is in immediate danger regarding the dam situation has been notified.

The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office says reports of accumulated debris began being received on Sunday and goes on to say that Xcel Energy and County infrastructure are adding to the debris.

Currently, the bridges for County Road 33 and County Road 90 are being monitored for debris passing downstream. As of this publishing, neither are closed, but they may be at a later time if needed.

The Sheriff’s Office says the river has cut around the west side of the dam, and they are working with Xcel Energy to restore power.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reporter Ben Henry was at the dam on Monday night, and spoke to officials who say the future of the dam is still uncertain.

A spokesperson for Xcel Energy said the company is working to restore power to 600 people in Rapidan and expects all customers to be back online by midnight on Monday.

A press conference with the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office is set for Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. Check back for updates.