chickenwarrior,
"course the higher the dam goes the more it needs to move to the west off the property line to allow for a more gentle grade on the back side to be able to mow. By doing this I'm not sure I am gaining anything." - Couldn't say it better.
I'd say you are getting the details like if you have enough run off taken care of like you should. The variables are up to you.
And realizing the higher you go the more room the dirt takes will help you figure what height will work best.
