Public urged to monitor real-time stream conditions as storm approaches Hawaiʻi

With a third storm system forecast to impact the state of Hawaiʻi over the next few days, residents and visitors are reminded that real-time stream data is available as one of several tools they can use to stay informed.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS), in partnership with the State of Hawaiʻi Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) and other state and county agencies, provides publicly accessible, near-real-time data on stream level discharge at 88 monitoring locations across the five main Hawaiian Islands through its Water Data for the Nation website: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/state/hawaii

Streams monitored in Maui County include:

• EF Kawela Gulch nr Kamalo, Molokaʻi, HI – USGS-16415000
• Haipuaʻena Stream abv Spreckels Ditch, Maui, HI – USGS-16536000
• Hālawa Stream near Hālawa, Molokaʻi, HI – USGS-16400000
• Hanawī Stream near Nāhiku, Maui, HI – USGS-16508000
• Honokōhau Stream near Honokōhau, Maui, HI – USGS-16620000
• Honomanū Stream near Hāna Hwy, Maui, HI – USGS-16527500
• Honomanū Stream near Keʻanae, Maui, HI – USGS-16527000
• Honopou Stream near Huelo, Maui, HI – USGS-16587000
• Kahakuloa Stream near Honokōhau, Maui, HI – USGS-16618000
• Kahoma Stream at Lahaina, Maui, HI – USGS-16638500
• Kauaula Stream US of ditch diversion, Maui, HI – USGS-16641000
• Kaunakakai Gulch at altitude 75 feet, Molokaʻi, HI – USGS-16414200
• Kawela Gulch near Moku, Molokaʻi, HI – USGS-16415600
• Nailiilihaele Stream near Huelo, Maui, HI – USGS-16570000
• ʻOheʻo Gulch at dam near Kīpahulu, Maui, HI – USGS-16501200
• Puohokamoa Str ab Spreckels Ditch, Maui, HI – USGS-16545000
• S Waiehu Str US of ditch at alt. 315 ft, Maui, HI – USGS-16611500
• Ukumehame Gulch nr Olowalu, Maui, HI – USGS-16647000
• Waihānau Stream nr Kalaupapa, Molokaʻi, HI – USGS-16409000
• Waiheʻe Rv abv Waiheʻe Dtch intk nr Waiheʻe, Maui, HI – USGS-16614000
• Waikamoi Str abv Kula PL intake nr Olinda, Maui,HI – USGS-16552800
• Waikapū Str US of S Waikapū Dt intake, Maui, HI – USGS-16647900
• Wailuku River at ʻĪao Valley Road, Maui, HI – USGS-16605500
• Wailuku River at Kepaniwai Park, Maui, HI – USGS-16604500
• West Wailuaiki Stream near Keʻanae, Maui, HI – USGS-16518000

To check current conditions:

1. Select “Discharge” under the “Show only locations with” on the right of the screen.
2. Zoom in to the island and click the gauge location you wish to check.
3. Note any locations with a red exclamation point which alerts users to “! Extreme conditions.” 
4. A color code legend and other information appears below providing users with information. 

Stream gauges throughout the islands are typically updated every 15 minutes, offering timely information on rapidly changing conditions during heavy rainfall events.

CWRM advises that real-time stream data is a valuable situational awareness tool, but it should not be used as the sole basis for safety decisions.

Because conditions can change rapidly between updates, the public should rely on official warnings and alerts from the National Weather Service, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, and county emergency management agencies, as well as using their own judgment when conditions appear unsafe.

For those who wish to receive notifications, the USGS also offers WaterAlert, a free service that sends text or e-mail updates when water levels at selected gauges reach user-defined thresholds: https://accounts.waterdata.usgs.gov/wateralert

Residents and visitors can find information on preparations and safety precautions for heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, power outages, large surf and coastal surge on the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/) and county emergency management agencies’ websites.

More weather information is available at: https://www.weather.gov/hfo