earthen dam for firing range

Lieut96 · May 30, 2006, 06:19 PM

I asked this on another forum and did not really get any response. Though perhaps someone here would know. I own approximately half of a 2 1/2 acre pond. The line pass though the center of the pond through the earthen dam. From the back the dam is about 10 ft high and at the top measures four feet wide. I am thinking about making a range on my side at the back
with the dam as a berm. I would only be using pistol, 9mm, 40, 357 sig. This would only be for personal use. My neighbor expressed concern that over time
this could compromise the integrity of the dam resulting in failure.
Does anyone really think it could cause this kind of damage? The pond is around sixty years old and was here prior to either of us purchasing our property.

Phil Ca · May 30, 2006, 06:33 PM

If you were to construct a berm on your side so that the impact of fired rounds do not touch the face of the dam that might suffice. you would not want any bullets or shot to fall in the water either.

Would anybody be likely to fish or go boating or swimming in this pond during your range time? that would be a big safety factor IMO.

I am not a Dam Engineer or Hydraulic Engineer, nor do I play one on TV!

Capt. Charlie · May 30, 2006, 06:35 PM

I have no sources to back this up, but I doubt it would be a problem. The range our PD uses is earthen, and has been in use for decades for both pistol and full auto .223 fire with no problems, The depth of earth disturbed can only be measured in inches.

I would watch for small ravines starting though, especially after a lot of rainfall, but that's easily remedied by filling them.

Lieut96 · May 30, 2006, 06:51 PM

Would anybody be likely to fish or go boating or swimming in this pond during your range time? that would be a big safety factor IMO.

Should not be anyone unless tresspassing. My neighbor never uses the pond. The pond is private property. I would be firing from the backside into earthen dam which is 10 ft high and approximately 35 yards in length. More than ample for one lane.

dan20703 · May 30, 2006, 06:54 PM

I work in the construction business and have designed earthen berms for retention ponds and lagoons. Typically the slopes are at least a 4:1 ratio. Assume your shots would strike the berm at the 3-6 foot height on the side. At its thinnest point (6 foot high strike on the dam) the berm is 36 feet wide. The best ammo doesn't go more than 1 foot into soil in most cases. No problem with weakening the dam with gun.

What you do have to worry about is trashing the vegetative cover which keeps the erosion to a minimum. Make sure you keep the grass healthy by either moving to different areas on the berm every so often as needed to allow recovery or adding extra soil, fertilizer and grass seed. Simple maintenance should do the trick. Invite your neighbor over to shoot and show him what you are doing to keep the berm stable. You might gain a shooting buddy.

Good luck,

Dan

Lieut96 · May 30, 2006, 07:05 PM

This is exactly what I needed. Thanks a bunch.

U.S.SFC_RET · June 18, 2006, 08:14 PM

Lootenant Sir If you think that you are about to destroy the dam just simply place some dirt over it Sir.

May 30, 2006, 06:19 PM	#1
Lieut96 Member Join Date: December 13, 2004 Location: Promised Land (NC) Posts: 80	earthen dam for firing range I asked this on another forum and did not really get any response. Though perhaps someone here would know. I own approximately half of a 2 1/2 acre pond. The line pass though the center of the pond through the earthen dam. From the back the dam is about 10 ft high and at the top measures four feet wide. I am thinking about making a range on my side at the back with the dam as a berm. I would only be using pistol, 9mm, 40, 357 sig. This would only be for personal use. My neighbor expressed concern that over time this could compromise the integrity of the dam resulting in failure. Does anyone really think it could cause this kind of damage? The pond is around sixty years old and was here prior to either of us purchasing our property. __________________ Freedom is not Free. Last edited by Lieut96; May 30, 2006 at 06:52 PM.

May 30, 2006, 06:35 PM	#3
Capt. Charlie Moderator Emeritus Join Date: March 24, 2005 Location: Steubenville, OH Posts: 4,446	I have no sources to back this up, but I doubt it would be a problem. The range our PD uses is earthen, and has been in use for decades for both pistol and full auto .223 fire with no problems, The depth of earth disturbed can only be measured in inches. I would watch for small ravines starting though, especially after a lot of rainfall, but that's easily remedied by filling them. __________________ TFL Members are ambassadors to the world for firearm owners. What kind of ambassador does *your* post make *you?* I train in earnest, to do the things that I pray in earnest, I'll never have to do. --Capt. Charlie

May 30, 2006, 06:51 PM	#4
Lieut96 Member Join Date: December 13, 2004 Location: Promised Land (NC) Posts: 80	Would anybody be likely to fish or go boating or swimming in this pond during your range time? that would be a big safety factor IMO. Should not be anyone unless tresspassing. My neighbor never uses the pond. The pond is private property. I would be firing from the backside into earthen dam which is 10 ft high and approximately 35 yards in length. More than ample for one lane. __________________ Freedom is not Free.

May 30, 2006, 06:54 PM	#5
dan20703 Member Join Date: May 20, 2006 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 36	Berm Dimensions? I work in the construction business and have designed earthen berms for retention ponds and lagoons. Typically the slopes are at least a 4:1 ratio. Assume your shots would strike the berm at the 3-6 foot height on the side. At its thinnest point (6 foot high strike on the dam) the berm is 36 feet wide. The best ammo doesn't go more than 1 foot into soil in most cases. No problem with weakening the dam with gun. What you do have to worry about is trashing the vegetative cover which keeps the erosion to a minimum. Make sure you keep the grass healthy by either moving to different areas on the berm every so often as needed to allow recovery or adding extra soil, fertilizer and grass seed. Simple maintenance should do the trick. Invite your neighbor over to shoot and show him what you are doing to keep the berm stable. You might gain a shooting buddy. Good luck, Dan __________________ "It's all about shot placement" - David (Slayer of Goliath) "The gun is not the answer to all of your personal protection problems, but when you need a gun, you really need a gun."

May 30, 2006, 07:05 PM	#6
Lieut96 Member Join Date: December 13, 2004 Location: Promised Land (NC) Posts: 80	Thanks Dan This is exactly what I needed. Thanks a bunch. __________________ Freedom is not Free.

May 30, 2006, 06:33 PM	#2
Phil Ca Senior Member Join Date: October 5, 2000 Location: Central Valley, PRK Posts: 238	If you were to construct a berm on your side so that the impact of fired rounds do not touch the face of the dam that might suffice. you would not want any bullets or shot to fall in the water either. Would anybody be likely to fish or go boating or swimming in this pond during your range time? that would be a big safety factor IMO. I am not a Dam Engineer or Hydraulic Engineer, nor do I play one on TV!

June 18, 2006, 08:14 PM	#7
U.S.SFC_RET Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2005 Location: The Old line State Posts: 282	Lootenant Sir If you think that you are about to destroy the dam just simply place some dirt over it Sir. __________________ 1. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded. 2. Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot. 3. Keep the finger off the trigger and firearm on safe until ready to shoot. 4. Know the target and what's beyond it.