Hey Jeff,
My pond was dug fall of 2013. It is a water table pond and filled in 48 hours. My water level fluctuates about 3 feet over the year, based on a sample of one year (last year). I have a well and can adjust the level but it leaks pretty good trying to hold a level above the water table. I am close to what is "normal" pool right now so this is the level I planted the plants. When we get a 2 inch rain the level will come up 18 to 24 inches but only stay there a couple of weeks.
Bill D.