Wet areas in yard

[archerynut]

Went out and cut the overflow pipe back by about eighteen inches or so. Because it is on an angle I think this will initially drain the pond by 4-5 inches or so. I will cut back more in the next day or so, just didn't want to let too much water out too fast. The overflow at the low spot in the dam has slowed to a trickle instead of a steady stream. I think when I lower it another couple of inches I will be able to get a better idea if adding any dirt to the low spot will help at all.

I will check out that Pondboss site. I really don't know what is in the pond, I have seen some reallly small bluegills 1-2 inches recently, must be last years young. There are some larger bluegills and larger bass. From what I have seen the bluegills need to be thinned. I was surprised today when I was just walking by the pond and saw a 12-14 inch bass just swimming by. Most bass that I have seen are in the 7-9 inch range. Just a quick survey, haven't fished it yet. Don't know if there are any catfish yet.

[philbuilt]

Archerynut,
Nice pond! As Eddie stated take your time and study the pond and the areas around. Personally I would add an 90 el and add a 1' piece of pipe to one side and put the other end on your drain pipe with the 1' piece pointing down into the pond. The next big rain this should fill up above the el and create a natural syphon and drain your pond to a working level.
Then I would try to dig and seal the drain pipe like Eddie stated. I have a wet spot above my pond 4' higher than water level. 15' away (a spring)
having wet spots on land is common just take your time. Remember you stated the pong is 25 years +- and still standing.
Just my 2 cents.
Phil

[archerynut]

Actually I found out a little more about the pond. Was talking to some people that grew up in the area. All were 50+ years old and they all remember this pond from growing up, that must be 45+ years ago. The old farmer used to chase all the kids away by shooting his shotgun in the air (or so the rumor goes). It's kind of funny when people say they know my road, they all ask about that old pond that used to be there, then I say I own that pond now.

[archerynut]

Just thought I would add in a little update. The overflow pipe was cut back and has lessened the water running over the high spot. Also , when inspecting the overflow pipe when the water was down, there was no water going through the pipe but there WAS WATER FLOWING UNDER THE PIPE. Definitely leaking. I think that I want to replace the entire overflow pipe with one that comes in parallel with the water surface and then has a 90 bend up to the water surface. One of issues with the existing overflow is that because it comes in on an angle each time the surface freezes and then thaws it moves the pipe up and down, therefore that is where the leak started and has only gotten worse since it was put in by the uncle years and years ago.