MANAWA, Wis. — Manawa residents are drying out after last Friday’s partial dam collapse due to a flash flood that came into the area.

Manawa officials continue to survey the damage and assist with clean up efforts. Now that high waters have begun to recede, the city is faced with a pressing issue with erosion near the dam.

What You Need To Know

  • The city of Manawa is providing dumpster for residents cleaning up after this weekend's high waters

  • Erosion is major concern as city officials said the area near the dam continues to wear away

  • Mayor Frazier said he has been in contact with Gov. Evers' office

  • An emergency city council meeting will be held Wednesday to discuss the city's next steps following this major incident

Harley Linjer has lived in Manawa since 1965. His house was safe from the dam collapse despite living steps away. Linjer said he’s not surprised the dam failed.

“Mother Nature’s been giving us nothing but rain. When you look down on the dam, you see all the grass and everything up against it. Well, it blocked it,” Linjer said.

Instead of the typical sounds of a dam, like rushing water, Linjer said he’s surprised at the silence and a landscape of mud and pooling water.

“That is kind of shocking. I mean, because I live here, and I’m normally sitting right here, this is all quicksand. You step in here, you’re in, you’re in big trouble,” Linjer said.

While it’s difficult to see water, erosion is still a major concern. Manawa Police Chief Jason Severson had a warning about visiting the area near the dam.

“Please stay back from that first day. I would say it’s eroded 10 to 15 or even more feet from that original location. So, it’s just not a let’s be cautious. It’s a let’s be real and stay back,” Police Chief Severson said.

With more showers predicted, Manawa Mayor Mike Frazier said the current status of the dam is unstable. He fears the worst may not be over. 

“The good news is the dam held. It’s, you know, unfortunately, there’s still more rain in the forecast. We’re not sure how much more of this is going to wash out,” Frazier said.

The main result for many residents is property damage, with the city providing dumpsters at the high school to assist. The mayor said that may be the silver lining; that it was just property damage.

“Thank the good Lord that no one was injured or killed, but all this is going to be repairable,” Mayor Frazier said.

Mayor Frazier said he has been in contact with Gov. Evers’ office.

An emergency city council meeting will be held Wednesday to discuss the city’s next steps following this major incident.

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