The good part about a pond filling slow is you don't get a bunch of erosion of the banks like you do with big rains.
Dry here is SE Ks too. Kind of a good thing for us as it gives good opportunity to rebuild terraces in fields, spread lime, and do any dirt work. But my ponds are about 6" low now and I prefer them to head into winter full.
Glad to see your pond get finished and under budget. Going to have a PBF get together next September at my place. Be sure to come if you can. You can't be terribly far away from me.
Snrub's PBF get together
