Kapaia Reservoir dam
Kapaia Reservoir
Located in Kapaia, Hawaii, the Kapaia Reservoir serves as a vital resource for irrigation purposes, drawing water from the Hanamaulu Stream. Completed in 1910, this private-owned reservoir boasts an impressive dam height of 50 feet and a storage capacity of 1114 acre-feet. With a surface area of 54.4 acres and a drainage area of 2.51 square miles, Kapaia Reservoir plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the region.
Despite its historical significance and functional importance, the Kapaia Reservoir is facing challenges in terms of its condition assessment, which has been reported as poor. The reservoir has a high hazard potential, prompting the need for regular inspections and maintenance. The last inspection in 2018 revealed the reservoir's deteriorating state, highlighting the urgency for improved risk management measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of this essential water source. With its moderate risk assessment rating, stakeholders and authorities are urged to take proactive steps to address the reservoir's current condition and mitigate potential hazards.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Kapaia Reservoir presents both a glimpse into Hawaii's rich history of water management and a pressing issue in terms of infrastructure maintenance and risk management. With its strategic location in Kauai County and its role in supporting local agriculture, the reservoir serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human needs and environmental stewardship. As discussions continue on how to address the reservoir's deteriorating condition and implement effective risk management strategies, it is crucial for all stakeholders to prioritize the sustainability and preservation of this valuable water resource for future generations.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams 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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Kapaia Reservoir -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Sf Wailua River Nr Lihue | 150 cfs | → |
| Eb Of Nf Wailua River Nr Lihue | 51 cfs | → |
| Left Branch Opaekaa Str Nr Kapaa | 4 cfs | → |
| Halaulani Str At Alt 400 Ft Nr Kilauea | 6 cfs | → |
| Waialae Str At Alt 3 | 15 cfs | → |
| Hanalei River Nr Hanalei | 232 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Kapaia Reservoir.
Track Kapaia Reservoir in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Kapaia Reservoir
Where does the data for Kapaia Reservoir come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Kapaia Reservoir.