Lower Dam Installation

In late spring 2014, I installed my first dam right above the lower field. It is the lowest catchment (so far) on the farm before allowing the water to exit into the lower field and creek. It drained quickly at first, not through the dam wall but under it via the original spring lines and into the surrounding landscape. After 2 years of filling and draining and silting up, it is now holding within 2 feet of full of the maximum depth of about 13 feet.

If I had to do it again, I would dig the keyway deeper (I didn't have my backhoe yet) and I would do a better job getting the topsoil down to the water line. Other than that, it's just how I want it and the ducks really like it. This spring, I hope to stock it with minnows and some lager fish.