Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Soil questions Soil Question!

I am planning on building a pond and have a question about the soil. I have dug three holes so far with my Skid steer checking the clay content and so far have hit clay down between 12-48 inches. Should I dig more holes? My problem with the site is there are numerous rocks the size of the bed of my pick up. Will they be a problem or should I leave them for structure? Planning on approx 1 acre pond fed by two springs and run off. How deep should I make the pond, I want it to support trout? I was told by Conservation Officer to go around 20 Ft deep. I have been reading posts on this forum and it seems that may be way to deep to serve any purpose. The pond will be Enbankment and excavated did not get to check the grade yet but it isnt level looks like around 5Ft from high point to low point.
I am still trying to get the NRCS involved but they dont want to be bothered by my little project. The contractors in my area
have no experience in pond construction and the Aquaculture companies have yet to return my calls.

If you can dig deeper test holes, do it.

As for the rocks, I would be concerned. Are only surface rocks? If so, they can be good structure. However, if they aren't only on the surface and extend deepr into the soil, they could easily be a source for leaks, on both the bottom and sides. Only clay and/or sandy loam will hold water. Rock, sand or gravel strata will usually leak. The problem is how far they extend.

Since, I am in a fairly arid climate, I like deep holes. Betting on rain can be a losing proposition.

Dave,
The Rocks (About 10 of them) are only on the surface. I have been planning this for three years now. Just finally got the 12 acres of land timbered and they made a big mess. Now I need to look for someone who needs firewood. Maybe a big Bonfire!
I am going to atttemt to make two little bait ponds this weekend and see how they turn out. Everywhere I have dug so far (Expected dam area every 50 foot around the proposed pond site) I have hit clay on the average of 1Ft down and the stuff really stick in the backhoe bucket. I think I will then drop some FHM in the one and see how they fair.
Does anyone know of any online software to do a TOPO map of the propsed pond site?

Brian,
This site will let you show aerial and topo's of your property.
BTW I am surprised the NRCS is not interested since ponds are one of the main puposes of the dept. being in exhistance.
MSN Terraserver

The best data I have found so far for arial photos and ground coutours is you local GIS office. If they will give you the local "layer" info of interest, (on CD) you can download the "AccuGlobe" program for free and your off and running, and having lots of fun with your plan. See my last post for example plan photo whis this approach.