Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Spillway question

If you have a straight 2x4 or similar straight edge and a carpenters level, you can come pretty close.

Lay one end of the 2x4 or straight edge at the lowest point of the spillway where water would flow out first. Point the other end of the 2x4 towards the water. Lay the carpenters level on the 2x4 and bring the end nearest the water up till the level reads level. Measure from the bottom of the 2x4 to the water. That is how much your water is below the emergency overflow. If the water is at less than full pool, measure the distance the water is low of full pool at your overflow pipe and subtract that from the previous measurement for the distance the emergency spillway is above full pool level.

I've got a construction grade laser level that we use on the farm when we do dirt work. But sometimes simple tools will get the job done simpler and quicker and close enough for government work.