Wahiawa Dam
Key Takeaway
Wahiawa Dam is classified as high hazard in Hawaii. It was completed in 1906 and is 120 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 88 ft (taller than 96.9% in HI) |
| Dam Length | 660 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 9.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 302 acres |
| Drainage Area | 17 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 24,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1906 (120 years old) |
| NID ID | HI00017 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Dole Food Company Hawaii, Sustainable Hawaii, Inc.
Private
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What is the hazard classification of Wahiawa Dam?
Wahiawa Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Wahiawa Dam?
Wahiawa Dam is owned by Dole Food Company Hawaii, Sustainable Hawaii, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Wahiawa Dam built?
Wahiawa Dam was completed in 1906, making it 120 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Wahiawa Dam?
Wahiawa Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Wahiawa Dam?
Wahiawa Dam has a dam height of 88 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Wahiawa Dam last inspected?
Wahiawa Dam was last inspected on October 18, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.