March 13, 2025 - In June 2024, the Rapidan Dam suffered catastrophic failure when floodwaters tore around the west end of the dam, eating away the shoreline and sending a century's worth of sediment stored behind the structure down the river. Dr. Phil Larson, co-director of Minnesota State Mankato's Earth Systems Laboratory, and MSU alum Dr. Zach Hilgendorf received a National Science Foundation grant to study how the river has altered the environment, and will provide information to communities across the nation about what to expect in future severe weather events.