ADVERTISEMENTThe sandstone bluffs and hillsides of the Minnesota River Valley are especially vulnerable. The road squeezes between the Minnesota River on one side and a towering bluff on the other. The Minnesota State University, Mankato student was hiking at Minneopa State Park. Phil Larson, seen here Sept. 8, 2025, is the Minnesota State University, Mankato earth science director and earth systems laboratory co-director. He shares concerns about infrastructure safety and heavy precipitation events that can cause mudslides and rockfalls in the Minnesota River Valley.