Waikamoi Reservoirs dam
Waikamoi Reservoirs
Waikamoi Reservoirs, also known as Waikamoi Circular Reservoirs, are vital water supply structures located in Kailua, Maui, Hawaii. Completed in 1980, these earth-type dams play a crucial role in storing water for the local government, with a maximum storage capacity of 97.6 million gallons. The reservoirs cover a surface area of 3.7 acres and have a significant hazard potential, with a poor condition assessment as of October 2020.
Despite their importance for water supply, Waikamoi Reservoirs face challenges in terms of maintenance and safety. The dams have a spillway type of uncontrolled and a spillway width of 3 feet, contributing to their moderate risk assessment level. With a height of 20 feet and a length of 921 feet, these reservoirs require regular inspections, with the last one conducted in April 2019. The local government, specifically the Department of Land and Natural Resources, regulates and inspects the site to ensure its proper functioning and mitigate any potential risks associated with its operation.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Waikamoi Reservoirs serve as a fascinating example of infrastructure designed to support water supply in a region prone to variable environmental conditions. As the structures continue to play a critical role in water management in Maui, it is essential for stakeholders to prioritize maintenance and monitoring efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of these reservoirs. By understanding the unique challenges and risks associated with Waikamoi Reservoirs, enthusiasts can advocate for effective management practices that promote water security and resilience in the face of a changing climate.
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 Waikamoi Reservoirs -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Waikamoi Str Ab Res At Kula Pl Intake Nr Olinda | 1 cfs | → |
| Opana Tunnel Near Kailiili | 2 cfs | → |
| Honopou Stream Near Huelo | 5 cfs | → |
| West Wailuaiki Stream Near Keanae | 47 cfs | → |
| Hanawi Stream Near Nahiku | 16 cfs | → |
| Oheo Gulch At Dam Near Kipahulu | 24 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Waikamoi Reservoirs.
Campgrounds
- Hosmer Grove
- Hosmer Grove - Haleakala National Park - Maui
- Holua Dispersed - Haleakala National Park - Maui
- Hōlua Campground
- Hōlua Campsites
- Palikū Campsites
Track Waikamoi Reservoirs 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 Waikamoi Reservoirs
Where does the data for Waikamoi Reservoirs 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 Significant 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 Waikamoi Reservoirs.