Bruce, a good sized portion near the dam will be 14-15 ft. Probably around 3-4 ft. freeboard for dam. I have read that it may be too late to plant bermuda, too early for rye, not sure about bahia, on the dam and roads.
The Miss. forum biologists suggest oats, wheat, and/or rye for the basin. I know rye will not stop erosion or muddying up the pond by itself. I will read the old posts. I think I saw that people have used burlap to cover the seeds, and maybe mulch over it? Maybe that will help get the bermuda to germinate quicker. Also use hulled bermuda. I also read not to plant rye with new bermuda, as it will take too many nutrients. I know I need to get something going quick, or else have a muddy mess. Going this weekend.
B'ski...yes, good red clay, but way down deep. In my old stomping grounds in East Central, Ms., the red clay is a deeper red color and at the surface...as Ewest said, all over cars, tree leaves, etc. Actually, it was not full of water, only about 3 ft. left. kThe dam was very small, narrow, and uncored. Full grown trees on it. Hopefully this one will hold water. I dug a hole in the bottom about 1 1/2 or 2 ft. deep. Filled with water. No loss of water in over 3 hrs. Of course, I filled it back up and packed the clay back in it.
