Frye Mesa
Frye Mesa is an arch dam located in Graham County, Arizona, built in 1929. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Frye Mesa
The primary purpose of Frye Mesa is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by City Of Safford (local government). It impounds the Frye Creek near Thatcher.
The dam stands 107 feet tall and stretches 167 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 150 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4 square miles. Completed in 1929, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/16/2024.
At 107 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Arizona dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Arizona |
| County | Graham |
| Nearest City | Thatcher |
| River/Stream | Frye Creek |
| Coordinates | 32.75350, -109.83337 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Arch |
| NID Height | 107 ft |
| Dam Height | 91 ft |
| Dam Length | 167 ft |
| Year Completed | 1929 (97 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 150 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 150 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 135 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 815 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | CITY OF SAFFORD |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/16/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | AZ00069 |
| Federal ID | AZ00069 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |