I had not considered the slop factor. The last time it was dredged was 14 years ago after a summer of record drought. They took out over 1400 yards and it was all bone dry. I had them fill in and grade an old barn foundation with @150 yards. The rest was topsoil quality and we got a couple thousand bucks for it.

If I had to dry it out before using to shape the dam, that would be cost prohibitive. It couldn't be moved back to the dam with just a doser as our pond is in the woods. I probably wouldn't have work done in the next few years unless there is another drought scenario. Another option I guess would be to drain the pond 2/3 after the rainy season and let it dry in place.