Ballpark price to expand a pond

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Title says it all.

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The title says nothing but that you want to expand a pond. That could cost $1,500 or 1.5 million

Dam would be extended along the back. Would dig out the existing pond another 5ft or so to make 12ft around the backside along the dam. It is currently a circle and once extended it would a sideways oval. I will try and get an aerial pic marked up tomorrow on it.

Clear access so no issues there.

Just checked and the aerial is going to be tough to make out due to it is backed up to the woods. I may have to bust out the MS paint like ole Nascar.

The woods behind it are low so I could extend it that way but that would require moving the whole dam back.

I can’t answer the question but I will tell you what the MS land agent told me about my lake.

My dam is ~200 yds long and 35-40 ft high.

Land agent told me 2 years ago that it would cost over $300k to build that dam at that time.

Let's punt this conversation. I will need to take pics and measurements.

It sounds like I could maybe get it done for 10-15K. Which is about the limit I would want to spend on it.

It will all depend on how much dirt will have to be moved/brought in. Without seeing it, would be almost impossible to guesstimate. Your best bet is to get several quotes from different contractors specializing in ponds. Not sure that helps because you probably already knew all that, but best of luck in your expansion

Has anyone here checked with Nascar yet?

Generally speaking, if this is an embankment pond, raising the dam height will enlarge the pond, ie it will “push” more water into the pond surface area. Typically this involves digging a small core ditch (3-5’ deep x an excavator bucket wide) in the center of the existing dam, the entire length of the dam, then adding good clay (in 10-12” lifts) into the core ditch, compacting each lift with dirt pan, loaded dump truck or roller compactor. Then coming up with the clay the width of the dam, and likely adding to the backside of the dam to maintain the original width of the dam top.

I’m retired from Eng and Cons career and selectively design/consult on ponds and lakes. It’s amazing how many poor “pond contractors” there are out there, so be prudent in your choice.

You have a recommendation for someone around the Northshore/ SW MS?

I live SW MS and work with a couple of pond/lake contractors but they primarily do larger projects. But I do have another guy who would do fine on something like what I outlined, if that fits your scenario? If so, let me know best way to contact you.