Isaac Frye #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Isaac Frye #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Phillips County, Montana, near the city of Malta.


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Summary

Constructed in 1946 by the USDA NRCS, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management. With a height of 20 feet and a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet, the dam is situated on TR-Beaver Creek and covers a drainage area of 0.3 square miles.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Isaac Frye #1 is classified as a low hazard potential structure. Despite not being currently rated for condition assessment, the dam's primary source agency is the state of Montana. The dam's spillway width is 20 feet, and it has a maximum discharge capacity of 100 cubic feet per second. While it has not been inspected recently, the dam is designed to meet state regulatory requirements for inspection, permitting, and enforcement.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Isaac Frye #1 offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and management of water infrastructure in Montana. With its unique blend of functions and location on Beaver Creek, this dam serves as an important resource for both local water users and wildlife. As efforts continue to monitor and maintain the dam in accordance with state regulations, Isaac Frye #1 remains a key component of the region's water management strategy.

Year Completed

1946

Dam Length

140

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-BEAVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

82

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.