Well
This is a good topic. We have the money grabbing land craze going on here. A pond inspection involves thirty two point inspection. We are not worried about the fish or the algae or vegetation. That can be improved upon in the future. The spillway,drainoff on neighboring property,proper ditching of watershed [we are in the mountains and had 8 inch rain falls in a two hour period last couple of months and do not go by the weather reports]. Proper damm constuction: yes people are building damm's on mountain slopes. To put it simply, not keyed in properly and out of the 6 we inspected not one built properly in the last two week's. Do I need a inspection why waste the money? It look's good. Tuzz's friend he was going to spend 180,000 on a piece on the delaware. The 2 acre pond looked pristene but It was a 50,000 dollar nightmare waiting to happen. Had no permit ( over an acre) or slope stability results during constuction. General rule of thumb. Damm's without weep control should be no steeper than 18 Inches vertical and 50 inches horizontal. If you use a homogenous packed damm (no rocks) , just plastic soil as Otto says "pack it".
Subsurface exploration is a must on evaluation of spillways and damms. Even on a low hazzard damm.
We have seen a lot of N.Y damms and embankments fail over the last few years due to tree blow downs and improper vegetation management.
Ice load: Have to figure that in also, sliding,and other items of concern. So talk to an experinced builder. The list can go on. Get expert advise and this will lead to more free time and enjoyment of your getaway.
Good luck
Scott
P.S Im sure all will add to this, but you have to start somewhere

Scott Trava
Catskill Pond
http://catskillpond.com
[email protected]
Returning Catskill Waters To A Simpler Time
EST. 1923