My pond is about 2-3 acres with a 14" horizontal spillway with an aluminum hood over it. I have had few issues with clogs (surprisingly) but they're always at the entrance and easy to clear. We got a bunch of rain on Sunday and I found myself waist deep clearing the entrance on Monday and today, all sticks and leaves. I don't want to find myself in this position again so I'm planning on a spillway guard. Read several posts along these lines and I think I'll go with what Theo Gallus posted in 2008, if I may quote:
"Currently on my new pond, I have 5 T-posts driven into the bottom in front of the drain inlet in a semi-circle with 3 short T-posts tied horizontally across them at and above the normal water level."

Finally my question: I want to put some kind of screen in front of the T-posts and I have plenty of old cow panels laying around but the openings are 4" tall by 8" long. Do you think that is sufficient? I would think that would catch any branches which might cause a problem but allow the leaves and pine needles to go through. Tried to attach a photo; and keep in mind that the pond is high right now.

Opinions and options appreciated.
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