Kapalaalaea Reservoir, located in Huelo, Maui, Hawaii, is a historic earth dam completed in 1885 primarily for irrigation purposes.
Wind
Humidity
This private reservoir, standing at a height of 50 feet and length of 230 feet, has a storage capacity of 197 acre-feet and a surface area of 8.7 acres. Situated along the Papalua Stream, the reservoir plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the region, with a drainage area of 0.89 square miles.
Despite its age, Kapalaalaea Reservoir is subject to regular state inspections, with the latest assessment in April 2021 deeming its condition unsatisfactory and highlighting a high hazard potential. The reservoir has an uncontrolled spillway, a spillway width of 50 feet, and a moderate risk assessment rating. While the dam's risk management measures and emergency preparedness protocols are not specified in the data, its significance in sustaining local irrigation needs underscores the importance of ensuring its structural integrity and safety in the face of climate change impacts on water resources. Enthusiasts of water resource management and climate resilience will find Kapalaalaea Reservoir to be a compelling case study in balancing the historic significance of water infrastructure with contemporary challenges in maintaining its functionality and safety.
Year Completed |
1885 |
Dam Length |
230 |
Dam Height |
48 |
River Or Stream |
PAPALUA STREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
45 |
Drainage Area |
0.89 |
Nid Storage |
197 |
Structural Height |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
50 |