Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Leaky dam?

Od from your original post correct me if I'm wrong but there is nothing behind the dam from what I could see that would be damaged even if your entire dam failed all at once. A 1/2 acre pond at that depth is not enough water to be concerned about given the property and location of it. If your concerned about the money loss aspect then that could happen to all of us. As far as the spillway, personally I would have built more free board and let it spill around the end on a grassed spillway as wide as possible or affordable. This is more common at least in our part the world. If your creek flows alot during the wet season then I might have installed a small pipe thru the dam or siphon system perfered by many here for trickle water.

Has the inlet pipe under the road always handled the inflow of that stream assuming you have had heavy to extreme rain events? If so perhaps the spillway as designed will be fine as built. If not then you have a problem but then again you may not because a huge event may or may never happen in your life span, I would gamble in your case. I would monitor the water to see if the seepage is acceptable assuming there is a problem may not be. Take it from there. Hell if your nuts like the rest of us that will end up being your silt pond and you'll have a monster pond down stream. My 2.5 acre pond was originally just like yours. The pond life style is very addictive. I'm beyond intervention. Some here claim their recreational users only and can quit any time they want. Their just in denial. Keep us posted and good luck.