Building our new dam

[PatrickS2222]

Yes mate, I need to build it yet. Initially I thought I'd wait and see - this dam is filled by the overflow from the first dam. I've seen the flow over its spillway quite a few times, while it's been sizeable it's nothing like you describe. Nevertheless there's still the aspect of debris, which could be quite a bit more of a concern to four 6" pipes, as opposed to one 24" diameter outlet. They'll surely be more prone to becoming blocked by branches and twigs from nearby trees. Therefore I reckon you're correct, it needs to be done as part of the job, so it's there and ready when it's needed. I'll have to build it on the opposite side where the ground slopes away from the dam, and it can be on natural ground. I reckon a generous amount of clay on the end of the bank and some rockmelon-sized stone on the spillway should be sufficient protection against erosion there. I did the same on our first dam after I enlarged it and raised its overflow level by about 2 feet. I could see it didn't appear completed - the bank was only done three-quarters of the way around it, resulting in it overflowing at the natural ground section with about 4 feet of bank above the water level. I built the missing section of bank and lengthened the dam about 25% more. I did this several years ago with that same tracked loader and, while its spillway could only be positioned on the bank in a particular location, the rocks and clay there have almost prevented any erosion at all.
Happy to be able to state the seed and fertiliser has been spread, raked lightly and is now awaiting tomorrow's forecast (hopefully light) rain! :thumbsup:
Finished one hour after dark ..... with a head-torch! :laughing: I must also add our daughter was a great help in all this, but I had to rake it in so she could finish some homework. I also ran the 135 along the lower edge a few times just to press the soil a little, in case it began to wash away - might help a little.
Also, yes, I'll also be happy when grass is growing. :thumbsup:

 

[coldsteelva]

Any thought to sinking a debris fence to the entry side of those pipes to perhaps catch some of the branches, etc. that could become a potential blockage?

 

[PatrickS2222]

You must have read my mind ..... I've saved a length of chicken-mesh about 2 feet high and planned to use it for that very purpose!

 

[jimmysisson]

My small pond I put a 90 elbow facing up on the pond end. Some debris catches there but you can see it to remove. It also sets the level of the water. I couldn't use a spillway in my setup. Jim

 

[bindian]

Any thought to sinking a debris fence to the entry side of those pipes to perhaps catch some of the branches, etc. that could become a potential blockage?

A debris fence a little in front of the pipes sounds like a good idea. But you have clean it doing a flood, or you could find the fence swep into the end of the pipes. I have hardware cloth (1/2 inch mesh) over the overflow pipe (vertical opening) and it is always clogged with 1 inch debris and twigs, which traps more and more until little flows out.
hugs, Brandi

 

[PatrickS2222]

Both ideas are good, however I believe in my case it would be a benefit to stop any sticks and branches with maybe a 2"x2" mesh screen across that corner - it would need to be about 15 feet long and around 12" high, but it should allow leaves etc to pass through and out the pipes. This won't block them, and I feel it's preferable to allow leaves to escape, rather than keeping them in there to rot in the water. Twigs and branches should I expect become caught in the mesh, and then easily removed later - it just means walking into 6-8" water in that area, as the pipes are right up the back in the shallow end. I can still add some smaller mesh if required - even plastic "gutter-guard" mesh for roof guttering or something similar. :drink:

It's 10.15pm local time and the first few drops of forecast rain are beginning to fall. They forecasted showers this afternoon - better late than never. Just now watching tomorrow's forecast - showers and rain - just hope it isn't heavy rain. Expect around 3/4 to 1 inch tomorrow, then clearing to a few days of fine weather.

I also just have to add my expression of appreciation and gratitude for all the advice, suggestions, assistance and comments that have been added during this project. I am really quite thankful for everyone's input and am well aware that it's a two-way street (I do as much as I can to help others). :thumbsup:

While it's not far from finished, there is still some tidying-up and finalisation to do, and the usual "fiddling, fettling and finessing" we seem to insist on when it's one's own home work/job. Things will seem to slow down because there's just not much to report other than "I'm (hopefully) watching grass grow" or "it's got some water in it". I'll put some fresh pics up as things become progressively greener/fuller.

I'm also astounded there's been well over 3400 views so far - I wouldn't have guessed a hole in the ground could generate even mild interest, but I also understand we're not as apathetic and selfish as a lot of other people. :cloud9:

 

[bindian]

Both ideas are good, however I believe in my case it would be a benefit to stop any sticks and branches with maybe a 2"x2" mesh screen across that corner - it would need to be about 15 feet long and around 12" high, but it should allow leaves etc to pass through and out the pipes. This won't block them, and I feel it's preferable to allow leaves to escape, rather than keeping them in there to rot in the water. Twigs and branches should I expect become caught in the mesh, and then easily removed later - it just means walking into 6-8" water in that area, as the pipes are right up the back in the shallow end. I can still add some smaller mesh if required - even plastic "gutter-guard" mesh for roof guttering or something similar. :drink:

It's 10.15pm local time and the first few drops of forecast rain are beginning to fall. They forecasted showers this afternoon - better late than never. Just now watching tomorrow's forecast - showers and rain - just hope it isn't heavy rain. Expect around 3/4 to 1 inch tomorrow, then clearing to a few days of fine weather.

I also just have to add my expression of appreciation and gratitude for all the advice, suggestions, assistance and comments that have been added during this project. I am really quite thankful for everyone's input and am well aware that it's a two-way street (I do as much as I can to help others). :thumbsup:

While it's not far from finished, there is still some tidying-up and finalisation to do, and the usual "fiddling, fettling and finessing" we seem to insist on when it's one's own home work/job. Things will seem to slow down because there's just not much to report other than "I'm (hopefully) watching grass grow" or "it's got some water in it". I'll put some fresh pics up as things become progressively greener/fuller.

I'm also astounded there's been well over 3400 views so far - I wouldn't have guessed a hole in the ground could generate even mild interest, but I also understand we're not as apathetic and selfish as a lot of other people. :cloud9:

Well..................your the Star from down under!
hugs, Brandi

 

[PatrickS2222]

Ha Ha Far from it mate! :laughing: That's a fraction of the view count compared to a lot of other, much more informative or important threads. Additionally, the result would not have been anywhere near what it is without the advice I've received from this site. As I stated above and elsewhere - there are a multitude of very knowledgeable and helpful people here. Thank you to all once more. :thumbsup:

On an equally bright note, I've checked out the condition of things and, after 19mm (3/4") of light rain and showers over 24 hours, every drop appears to have soaked in without one grain of soil being moved at all! Fine and sunny days forecast for next week or so. Now we wait for a green tinge to appear!

 

[bindian]

Ha Ha Far from it mate! :laughing: That's a fraction of the view count compared to a lot of other, much more informative or important threads. Additionally, the result would not have been anywhere near what it is without the advice I've received from this site. As I stated above and elsewhere - there are a multitude of very knowledgeable and helpful people here. Thank you to all once more. :thumbsup:

On an equally bright note, I've checked out the condition of things and, after 19mm (3/4") of light rain and showers over 24 hours, every drop appears to have soaked in without one grain of soil being moved at all! Fine and sunny days forecast for next week or so. Now we wait for a green tinge to appear!

Well, sounds like you got the right amount of rain for seeding grass. Glad to hear that.
hugs, Brandi

 

[PatrickS2222]

Well, sounds like you got the right amount of rain for seeding grass. Glad to hear that.
hugs, Brandi

Yes mate, the top 5-6" was nice and damp. Just watching for a green tinge now, otherwise I haven't done any more work there. Thought I should put some into getting some garden beds ready - spring is almost here! :thumbsup:

 

[bindian]

Yes mate, the top 5-6" was nice and damp. Just watching for a green tinge now, otherwise I haven't done any more work there. Thought I should put some into getting some garden beds ready - spring is almost here! :thumbsup:

Down under in the winter.................what grass did you plant?
hugs, Brandi

 

[PatrickS2222]

I had some millet and some cooch seed here - it's a couple of years old but should still be Ok, and bought a mixture (intended for lawns) of annual and also perennial rye-grass, a little cooch and a small percentage of kikuyu and Kentucky Bluegrass. The whole lot got mixed together, I saved about half to spread on the ground outside the dam because the natural grass - largely rubbish anyway - suffered during building the dam. I'll do that in the next week or two.
The idea is that the millet grows quickly, so it holds the soil and shades the ground. Then the rye sprouts and doesn't get burnt by the hot sun, but by the time the millet is finished the rye can handle the summer sun. The cooch, kikuyu and bluegrass germinate and grow very slowly in comparison, benefit from the shade provided by the ryegrass, and slowly run about under it and eventually covered with a thick matting of year-round grass. That's the plan anyway, not sure I'll be mowing those slopes though! Earlier this afternoon I put sprinklers over it - current daytime max is 23-26C/75-80F so it will need water about every 5-6 days from now onwards. If the top is kept damp, the soil underneath will stay moist as well.

 

[PatrickS2222]

Latest news is that the grass is beginning to germinate - first were through on Tuesday afternoon, with a lot more visible today. Gave the whole area another light watering today after work, and some rain-showers are forecast over the next week or so too. Pics to come. Should be a dream start for young plants - on that subject my greenhouse is great for starting off seedlings before warmer weather arrives. I planted out about 35 pumpkin seedlings last weekend, and have a couple dozen each of cucumber, rockmelon and watermelon to plant out this weekend. I reckon I'll deserve a beer after that too, as much as last weekend digging up potatoes! :drink:
Off-topic:
Our younger daughter leaves tomorrow to New Zealand to compete in Oceania Artistic Skating Champoinships ..... she's about the only family member I know possesses any artistic or sporting ability at all! :laughing: My wife and elder daughter are going as well for support - and a holiday She has attended four National C'ships, but this is her first Oceanias ..... she's both excited and nervous. Her current coach is wonderful and has been to several World C'ships - I'll pass on the results for you all. :thumbsup:

 

[bindian]

Latest news is that the grass is beginning to germinate - first were through on Tuesday afternoon, with a lot more visible today. Gave the whole area another light watering today after work, and some rain-showers are forecast over the next week or so too. Pics to come. Should be a dream start for young plants - on that subject my greenhouse is great for starting off seedlings before warmer weather arrives. I planted out about 35 pumpkin seedlings last weekend, and have a couple dozen each of cucumber, rockmelon and watermelon to plant out this weekend. I reckon I'll deserve a beer after that too, as much as last weekend digging up potatoes! :drink:
Off-topic:
Our younger daughter leaves tomorrow to New Zealand to compete in Oceania Artistic Skating Champoinships ..... she's about the only family member I know possesses any artistic or sporting ability at all! :laughing: My wife and elder daughter are going as well for support - and a holiday She has attended four National C'ships, but this is her first Oceanias ..... she's both excited and nervous. Her current coach is wonderful and has been to several World C'ships - I'll pass on the results for you all. :thumbsup:

PatrickS four twos,
We're looking forward to photos of the "greening".

I am glad to hear this. Gives me a warm feeling hearing about families here. Tell her your tractor friends are pulling for her. What's her name?
hugs, Brandi

 

[PatrickS2222]

Happy to oblige!

Thank you ..... I shall pass on your encouragement and support. Her name is Jennifer Schneider. And yes, she can (and frequently does) drive our tractors - has for several years. :laughing: Same applies to our elder daughter Katrina. Jennifer also now has her car driver's learner's permit Hasn't lately been much time for learning, has had to stay on hold for a while.
Here's a pic with her Nationals medals:

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Hope you all have a safe trip, and that your daughter gives her best effort.

I love dam building threads.

 

[bindian]

Hope you all have a safe trip, and that your daughter gives her best effort.

I love dam building threads.

Yep, dam threads are the best!
hugs, Brandi

 

[bindian]

Happy to oblige!

Thank you ..... I shall pass on your encouragement and support. Her name is Jennifer Schneider. And yes, she can (and frequently does) drive our tractors - has for several years. :laughing: Same applies to our elder daughter Katrina. Jennifer also now has her car driver's learner's permit Hasn't lately been much time for learning, has had to stay on hold for a while.
Here's a pic with her Nationals medals:

View attachment 479451

What a talented cutie! Thanks for sharing!

Is it true that Australians don't care much for.............what's the term.............Kiwis?
hugs, Brandi

 

[WoodChuckDad]

When do the rains come?

 

[PatrickS2222]

Thanks again to all for kindly wishing her well. I spoke to her tonight and she trained well, likes the floor surface characteristics and seems all set for giving it her best shot. :thumbsup:
I'm staying here at home - feeding the animals and working as usual ... the credit card may well need some remedial attention!

We usually see sporadic and often heavy rainstorms from October to January, then the "wet season" really begins - regular lengthy periods of rain, and frequently heavy flood rain at times as well. That's why I wanted grass to be as well-established as possible in time for storm season. It should be Ok, but the thicker the better. In the meantime, I still have to clean up the area and finish little bits here and there. It could be full by Easter! :laughing:

As far as Aussies and Kiwis go ..... we have our moments; also each seems to believe they're better than the other. We have rather robust competitiveness in Rugby League football (where we usually win), Rugby Union football (where they seem to always win) and cricket (where results are just about even). Aussies seem to moan a bit about the number of New Zealanders living in Australia (we claim welfare payments must be more easily obtained here) and Kiwis in return refer to Australia as the "West Island" :laughing: When it's all said and done we call each other "cousins" and realise there's good and bad everywhere - but it's mostly how you view it.