I am thinking about excavating a pond on my property sometime this summer. I have researched the soil survey and well data for my area. Basically the area of Minnesota that I live in is all sandy loam and has quite a few natural ponds, swamps and lakes. I live about 1/2 mile from a lake on a low plain and the water table is pretty high at about 15-25' below the surface. I have a low spot on my property where water will collect seasonally and then drain, but it is always a bit damp in that area with about 20 acres watershed gently sloping to this low spot. Since the water table is probably only 15' below surface in this area if I dig down to the water table will the water rise to fill the pond or stay at the water table level? Basically the soil is very sandy for about 80' down and then all clay below that. I see all of the other ponds and lakes in the area which are natural and think it is feasible that I could create a pond here even if the soil is sandy. Any thoughts or suggestions. I am new to all of this and any help is appreciated.
The water will fluctuate according to the water table
May want to dig some test holes to see what happens on a small scale first, and see wha kind of soil you actually are dealing with
Gosh abrandt, it doesn't look like anyone knows the answer to your question. I'm sure not an athority, but I'll tell you my observations in a couple places. While on trips to Nebraska, I've seen well heads with a steady stream running out of them even when the pump is not running. The wells are in low spots on the property and the pressure from the water table on the higher ground makes the water flow below. Many times near rivers you will see excavated areas that are holding water. The water level usuall rises or falls acording to the river depth.
So,I guess the results are not always the same. I would visit with someone from the NRCS. Farmers in your area may shed a little light on the subject also.
Gallop, for some reason I didn't see your post. Your advice is excellent.
The fact that "it's always a bit damp in that area" might be of concern when trying to dig the pond. If you dig a damless pond into a wet soil, you run a big risk of it filling in during construction. Have pumps on standby...