I doubt I'm saying anything new...but moderate rainfall for a new pond is preferred, that gives the dam time to rise and fall a couple of times before holding back the force of a full pool. My pond was 1/2 full when an 8" rain hit, there were a few parallel cracks where the dirt sloughed off to the pond side, one was 2 to 3 inches wide. It's filled in nicely now, but I would hate to think what would have happened if it completely filled during 1 rainfall event. The same holds true for your pond structure as for your fish base...the key is patience. 1/2 inch recorded in Eastland, 5-6 feet low...jon boat high & dry. No need for the boat, you can easily walk and fish around the beach like shore. except it's dirt
