WElcome, Bill. Spillways are mainly for that rare 100 year rain. I have never used mine but I have a 12 inch drainpipe through the dam. This year it almost happened. Water got to the top of the drainpipe and was within an inch of going over the spillway. I wouldn't build one without having an emergency water release.

I look at it this way. I buy health insurance before I get sick, home and auto insurance before a wreck or fire and life insurance before I die. Insurance and spillways let me sleep nights.

It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.

Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.

Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP Grandpa