3 to 1 is sort of the standard for this area, thats what most NRCS ponds are designed around, 4 to 1 is pretty rare and I am not aware of ever seeing one with a 5 to 1 slope, that's pretty flat, unless it may be on a pond dug into flat ground and needing a place to go with dirt, which is what I am getting ready to do for a neighbor who just wants a swimming hole for the kids.
