I'm a new member as of today but have been researching this for about a month now. Already have copy of Ag handbook #590. I have 3 projects that I am considering for our ranch near Devine, TX. Project 1: cleanout of an existing 1 acre pond used for livestock. I have determined that it has approximately 3 to 4 ft of silt. It hasn't been cleaned since our family purchased the property. We are currently in a significant dry spell so draining it is not a factor. (it has already gone dry). The project that I have questions on is this: We have a dry creek bed that runs for just under 1 mile across our ranch. The only time it has water is when we receive a very heavy rain. I have seen the creek contain over 6 feet of runoff following a 4+ inch storm. We have 2 roads that cross this creek. One is a gravel/caliche road that gets significant use on a daily basis. the other road is just a crossing that is very rarely used due to the deep loose sand in the creek at the crossing point (very easy to get a 4x4 stuck during dry spells). I am looking at the feasability of constructing 2 flood control dams along the creek. My guestimate is that the upper dam would be 15-20' high and 150' across. The top of the dam would be crossed by the heavily used road. The second dam would be about a half mile from the first and be about the same size. Also, the water flow from both will go over the tops. The dams that I envision will be a concrete (due to high silt content in the runoff), low water crossing type for the upper one with 4 culvert pipes; and an earthen dam with drain pipe at the lower end. The end goal is to have 2 holding ponds that can be used for livestock, wildlife, and as a supplement for irrigating 3 coastal fields nearby. My problem is that the topsoil is very fine sand that varies in depth before hitting clay. Can the dams be constructed without having significant seepage around the sides? Will the creek channel need to be dug out deeper? Will the sides have to be lined? Also, can this be done without breaking the bank (my initial budget is about $50k)? Any input would be greatly appreciated!