Puukapu Watershed Retarding Dam R-1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 24, 2025
Puukapu Watershed Retarding Dam R-1, also known as Puukapu Dam, is a state-owned structure located in Hawaii, specifically in the city of Waimea Kuhio Village.
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Summary
Designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1965, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 12 feet with a hydraulic height of 10 feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving the Lanimaumau Stream offstream with a drainage area of 3.05 square miles.
With a storage capacity of 1450 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2000 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a critical role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. Despite a high hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of March 2020. Regular inspections are conducted every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and readiness for potential emergencies. Overall, Puukapu Watershed Retarding Dam R-1 serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in Hawaii's landscape.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
4340 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
LANIMAUMAU STREAM OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
185 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
3.05 |
Nid Storage |
1450 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Puukapu Watershed Retarding Dam R-1