Frye Mesa Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Frye Mesa in Arizona is a key water resource managed by the local government for water supply purposes.


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Summary

This arch dam, completed in 1929, stands at a height of 107 feet and has a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. Located in Thatcher, the dam spans Frye Creek and covers a surface area of 4 acres with a drainage area of 4.4 square miles. With a maximum discharge of 815 cubic feet per second, Frye Mesa plays a crucial role in water management for the region.

Despite its importance, Frye Mesa poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment, last conducted in April 2018. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status is unclear, and there are no updated inundation maps or risk management measures in place. However, the Arizona Department of Water Resources regulates and inspects the dam, ensuring compliance with state regulations. The risk level associated with Frye Mesa is rated as moderate, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks to the surrounding community and environment.

Overall, Frye Mesa serves as a vital water supply infrastructure in Graham County, Arizona, but its condition assessment and emergency preparedness require attention to ensure long-term safety and sustainability. As climate change impacts water resources, effective risk management measures and regular inspections are essential to safeguarding this critical infrastructure and the communities it serves.

Year Completed

1929

Dam Length

167

Dam Height

91

River Or Stream

FRYE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Arch

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

95

Drainage Area

4.4

Nid Storage

150

Structural Height

107

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

107
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.