Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Renovating a Pond or Lake? Erosion of clay creates leak

I have about a 1/3 acre pond, fed by run off water and rain. The run off during storms comes so fast down a ravine then in to a retention pond and then out over a river rock spillway into the pond that it has eroded the compacted clay where it enters on the side and the water leaks out until the pond levels with the lowest erosion point. I hate to drain out all the remaining water (the pond is deep)to put in a liner; but my excavator, who has been out once to try to fix it, is now suggesting a liner. He is also trying to negotiate splitting the cost of the liner with me, since he has stated that it really was he first gut reaction to use a liner but recommended and sold me on the idea of the clay, which cost me about $4500. I am thinking about letting him come back drain the pond, and take the clay back in exchange for his labor and paying completely for the liner; but we haven't talked about that yet as he hasn't been back to measure for the liner's cost (weather is too bad). Any observations and/or suggestions would be appreciated. Granddaughters want to fish!

How about replacing the clay that was lost and put rip rap down to protect the affected area. There are lots of options for erosion control if the pond was holding water before the damage was done. Got any pics for clarification?

Or maybe repair the damaged clay, put down textile material (some type of liner just in the erosion prone area) to protect the clay, then put the rip-rap over the cloth to protect it.

Thanks for the tip. Will look into this.