Pond Creation

[BruceW]

I have a 20' X 30' stock pond which is at the bottom of gentle sloping gulley and has a small dike across the exit.

I have decided to dig out a larger area and raise the dike and am well on my way with the work when I found a surprise. I am at water level! When I pumped out the stock pond it fills back up to a certain level but not to where it was when I first pumped it.

My question is if the water level returns to about 3' deep in the pond but the dike held another 3' on top of that from run off why doesn't the top 3' disappear into the water table and self level?

I am not a water hydrologist but this doesn't make sense to me and I would like to understand it before I plan on having a larger deeper pond that might end up draining away.

My inclination is to seal up the small area exposed to water level by filling in a foot or two with clay but I do not know if this is necessary as it obviously was holding water above water level previously.

I am confused.

bruce

 

[fishman]

BruceW,

You might try getting some advice from your local Ag extension agent (USDA office). They are familiar with the soil type and water table characteristics of your local area and their advice is free.

 

[BobT]

Good advice Fishman, I'll second it.

You REALLY need to know what you are doing in damming up water and creating ponds. A practically unbelieveable amount of water and force is contained in even relatively small "ponds" (even 20' x 30' for example).

If and when a storm comes along and overloads the pond, the sides can give way, and once that water is loose, it will take out most of what is in its way. And, in case you couldn't guess, you as landowner will be responsible for any damage, inlcuding damage done to town, county and state roads, culverts, etc.

Yep, if you're fixin' to do work on a pond, you need yersef an engineer. Really.

BobT.
A Indiana Boy