I was considering a pretty big dam/pond in my main streambed several years ago. NRCS explained it as measured from "original" streambed to the emergency overflow level. That was the kicker...in order to get what I really wanted out of my investment, the height would have be about 22 feet. Lots of permits, and NRCS would step away and not do the design work. I would need an engineer, would have involved the CoE, probably major liability insurance for downstream structures...too much risk involved. Had to settle for the 2 smaller ones....

Just what I was told...opinions vary.

In a lifetime, the average driver will honk 15,250 times. My wife figures I'm due to die any day now...