thanks for the comments thus far--i am a good distance from the creek and from what i've read i would not need to make the whole bottom side of pond a dam just the deepest part where i plan on a drainpipe -- the area appears to be on the edge of the flood plain of the creek which if i control the beavers should not be a problem--this
pond would be app. 250yds to 300yds long x ave. 75yds wide (more wide in some places than others)--area is usually good clay at shallow depths (contractors think we'll hit it 2 ft to 4ft or so down in this area---the plan right now is to dig the bottom side out down to good clay then push the clay from upper side to seal the part of lower side that is not clay--do not really need to dig the entire low side as a dam on excavated pond i don't think--also don't think i'll have a problem with rock as i'm in "the capitol of clay country" but i guess you never know until you dig. am having the area cleared next week to shoot some elevations and and will see what's at the 4ft level in several places. i have plenty of land and places that we can use excess dirt--also places to burn or pile debris
--anyone with any experience with this type pond please "jump in" lake pewee sounds a lot like this---is it a pretty place and would you want it for a "backyard"? thanks ya'll