approx 1/2 acre at times 6-7 ft deep .. natural on 3 sides with a very large man made dam on 1 side..8ft.thick at top and 12-14 at bottom.. huge natural run off into pond ..fills up great when rains then 2 -3 weeks it very low.. can't see any drainage around dam .. pond was here when we bought the place..NO idea what was done.. soil very rock clay mix.. made very small deer hunting pond with skid and that holds great in near area..

pegasuspup
Welcome to the forum.
Is there any indication of water benind the dam after it fills.
That is the first place to look.
The soil did not sound bad but the word rocks can put up a red flag.
How deep is the deer hunting pond? Is it the same soil?
Otto

Hi Pegasuspup and welcome to Pond Boss.

Thanks for registering and posting, we're glad you found us.

no evidence of water behind dam ..looked many times..and yes VERY rocky soil .. I think whoever built the dam had a good intention..the dam is very big and thick ..the deer pond holds water great .. has little drainage into it and is always full..that soil is very much red clay .. The big pond doesn't have that red color to it ..at least on the surface..would weed growth help or hurt for holding water ??alot of standing weeds in the 1/2 of the pond that drains 1st.. I can get pics of the pond if it might help .. everyone says to get cattle or pigs in there to pack it down.. sounds far fetched to me..

First off Pegusus, welcome to the forum.

Ever hear of a sheep's foot roller? Heavy, small hooved animals will indeed compact the loose soil. But it takes quite a while and the mess left behind is more than most people want

Something to think about.
The deer pond holds water good.
The leaking pond could be sealed with the dirt from the deer pond.