On July 5, 2024, the Manawa Dam in Wisconsin was initially assessed to have major damage and compromise due to flash flooding in the area. The Little Wolf River overflowed, causing water to flow around and over the top of the dam. However, a later assessment found the dam to be intact according to officials.
Manawa Police Chief Jason Severson stated that residents can return home and the situation is stabilized. Despite this, the city cautioned people against being on the roads due to wider flash flooding in the area.
The rains started around 8:30 a.m. and about 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) of rain fell in a few hours, causing multiple streets to be flooded including Union Street, N. Bridge Street, Howard Street, Industrial Drive and Beech Street was washed away.
The Manawa Police Department said on its Facebook page that due to the amount of water the dam isn't safe. All entrances to the city of Manawa were blocked and residents were urged to avoid entering the city.
Emergency shelters were set up in a high school and a masonic center. A boil water advisory was declared for Manawa and surrounding areas as a precautionary measure.
The Manawa Community Living Center was evacuated to the King's Veteran Home as a result of the flooding. The dam, along the Little Wolf River, was breached at about 1:45 p.m. by floodwaters due to land erosion alongside the dam.
In an update Friday afternoon, city officials said the structural integrity of the dam itself remains intact and there is no immediate danger of collapse. However, officials said in a statement that due to the substantial erosion, it's anticipated that the mill pond will continue to drain until the situation stabilizes.
The National Weather Service warns that rain and possibly thunderstorms could occur through the weekend and into early next week.
