Quote:
I hope you will show a picture of it when it is cored. There have been many questions regarding coring. I've never found the words to adequately explain it. In this case, a picture really would be worth 1,000 words.

Although the man in the dozer can respond most accurately, I believe the core for this project remains an unknown until he gets down to the subsoil at the base of the dam. TnHB has participated in other threads with myself and the PB community, exchanging engineering input to this regard. I recall his posture as "core only when the subsoil requires it. If the foundation is suitable clay, scarify the surface and go up from there, compacting as required". Lusk agrees as do I (took me awhile, but I'm on board). No doubt an existing dam would not require coring IF it shows no signs of breach...BUT...the tree roots he is extracting from the top dam mass may have compromised the soil below grade.
So, TnHB...what's the prognosis? Are ya gonna open 'er up?