Light rain set in early this morning. Only 1/10" but enough to keep me back inside today. I did take the time to walk the site a bit now that some clearing has been done. There is actually potential for a very nice U shaped pond here. Probably going to bring the dam up higher than planned after looking at it. Will probably shoot a waterline and flag the area next and go back to clearing some more timber once I determine the waterline.
2020-03-22_10-00-29
Do/will you have a solid clay bottom (no voids) to prevent leakage?
How do you plan to prevent dam leakage also?
I think this would vary depending on location and soil type. Here, I would have to "core" the dam. Basically dig a trench across the base of the dam and then fill it as I build. That creates a "notch" that reduces the chances of leak.
My small pond's dam has a 2x2 foot core trench. My large pond had a 2x2 core trench, but the new dam section was dug with my excavator to a 4x4 feet core trench. It all depends on how much surface area you have AND how deep the dam will be at full water elevation. Core with clay only.Once past the topsoil there is a good amount of clay but I'm thinking the dam should be cored. Going to be tricky to do the the ctl. Pretty steep slopes into the bottom of the ravine where the dam will go. An excavator would be much better suited for this.
I think this would vary depending on location and soil type. Here, I would have to "core" the dam. Basically dig a trench across the base of the dam and then fill it as I build. That creates a "notch" that reduces the chances of leak.