First time poster but frequent reader for the last few months. My new pond construction has been a whirlwind thanks to the crazy amount of rain in Texas the last 6 weeks.

The 2 acre pond filled up about 48 hours after the dam was closed. And the spillway was then used three times the following three weeks.

Now that things are starting to dry out I have some questions about dam seepage. My pond was at normal pool level Monday 6/8 and leaked/seeped/evaporated to about 8 inches low by Sunday 6/21 (no rain during this period). So it was losing a little over 1/2" per day.

Sunday 6/21 it was filled to about an inch from spilling, and was drained through my pipe back to normal level by Wednesday evening 6/24. Measuring today, I'm back to the "a little over 1/2" per day" loss.

There is standing water on both the east and west sides of my dam. The standing water on the west side of my dam dried up during the first two week drying out period. It is back currently. This leads me to believe it's seepage through the dam that is based on hydrostatic pressure.

My dam is just now finally getting some decent grass on it. Is it too soon to worry or call my contractor? Will it settle out and seal on its own? Or do y'all think it will just get worse?


Adding Dock and Structure


Rain is here


Filling Up Fast


Spilling!

The pond it fully stocked and fertilized with a healthy forage base and Camelot Bell Floridas. Worst case scenario is I have drain it down and move the fish.

But I'm thinking one of the following may work:

1. Do nothing, it's too soon.
2. Rent a sheepsfoot and compact the dam better.
3. Get ESS-13 or DB-110 quoted.
4. Get a trackhoe to build some sort of toe trench.


After the Storm




I'll try to remember to take some pictures of the back of the dam this evening so you guys can see the seeps/leaks.

I think I'd call the contractor and have him worry along with me. He may say it's normal. He may stop by to see for himself. But, he won't be able to say he wasn't aware of the situation.
Good luck.

It's hard to say on a new dam. The water level changes as it wicks back into previously dry soils. I know it's hard to believe we have any dry soils anywhere in Texas.

Was the dam properly cored with clay?

How was the dam compacted? Was it done in lifts and packed?

Was a sheepsfoot roller used? Dozers do a poor job of packing soils.

Any rocks or rocky outcrops?

I can’t say if it was cored properly. I did have a core trench discussion with the builder. I did my best to do all the upfront legwork.

Read Perfect Pond.
Met with local biologist.
Soil sample and survey.
Water shed mapped.
Dam and spillway designed and staked.
Contractor references obtained.
Contractor selected after productive discussion.
Etc. etc.


He only used a dozer. So all compacting was with a dozer. I think since everything happened so fast it simply didn’t have time to settle prior to saturation. I’ll call my contractor. Just looking for some sort of advice or comforting support.

When I have more time, I’ll upload addition pictures of dam construction and seepage to see if it highlights a problem to you guys.

Thanks.

Dozers don't do a great job of compacting but over time, things sometimes workout. I would be more concerned about the core trench.

I feel for you. I am holding off on two ponds because I cannot find a contractor that I trust.