I have learned a huge amount from Otto. He definitely brings his experience and common sense to the table.
Here are some of the things he has taught me.
1) All dirt leaks. (Lusk, you idiot, have you ever seen a permanent puddle?) Can't argue with that logic.
2) 100% clay in a dam is bad. It shrinks and cracks when it's dry and swells up and expands when wet.
3) The "best" dirt to put in a dam is no more than 30% clay content, mixed and "processed" and compacted properly. With 30% clay, processed and rolled with other kinds of dirt, the dam won't swell or shrink.
4) The amount a dam can leak is based on how much water comes in.
5) If you need to coat the bottom of the dam, 100% clay is best. How thick? The deeper the water, the thicker the clay.
6) If you get lots of rain, build a wide, shallow spillway. If you get lots and lots of rain, build a much wider, shallow spillway.
7) Never let the bulldozer run out of fuel.
8) Be sure the dozer is maintained properly EVERY DAY.
9) Plan the pond as big as it can possibly be made in the very beginning. You can make it smaller much easier than you can make it larger, if you plan for it in the beginning.
10) Forget all this stuff and build the dam.
