Forums36
Topics41,037
Posts558,762
Members18,551
|
Most Online3,612 Jan 10th, 2023
|
|
15 members (Rick O, Snipe, TEC, Sunil, Bigtrh24, Retired on 40, Pat Williamson, Nolan, Mainer, Boondoggle, Shorthose, FishinRod, 10x, LeighAnn, canyoncreek),
633
guests, and
371
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 21
|
OP
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 21 |
They just started building my 1 1/2 acre pond on my farm. Are rocks acceptable in the dam? If so what size are too big? I haven't asked the contractor yet about them. I'm concerned about leaks. Thanks for the help.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,911 Likes: 116
|
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,911 Likes: 116 |
I'm sure the experts will jump in here shortly. I'll let you know my results. We found a lot of rock in the soil where we built our pond. The dozen operator stopped taking dirt from a couple of areas because it was just too rocky. One of the three guys working on the pond told me if it was his pond, he would stop construction right then, because we were in so much rock. I was already three quarters of the way through, so we went for it. Indeed, I do have a small leak. (I lose between a 1/4" and 1/3" per day. Doesn't sound too bad until you go through a six month draught, and the pond is 4' below full. We took every other precaution that we could, including bringing in a sheeps-foot roller to compact the soil as much as possible. We fluctuate a bit on water depth, but it's 15' deep at full, so I don't worry too much about the fish. Do I wish it didn't leak? Yep.. If I had a do over, would I build it anyway? Absolutely! We love it. Swim in it, and are catching lots of fish with the grandkids. I just have to block out the 2' of exposed bank right now due to the low rainfall totals and leak. A buddy just put in a swimming pool. He spent a lot more than our 1 ac pond cost us. I wouldn't trade for anything. Try to get as much help from experts as possible. Dig test holes, etc.. Good luck! I hope it works for you.
9 yr old pond, 1 ac, 15' deep. RES, YP, GS, FHM (no longer), HBG (going away), SMB, and HSB (only one seen in 5 yrs) Restocked HSB (2020) Have seen one of these. I think that's about all I should put in my little pond. Otter attack in 2023
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 21
|
OP
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 21 |
SetterGuy, my soil is almost all clay. The rock came from an area away from the pond where they dug a hole to burn the brush. They put the dirt from that hole where the dam will be. One section had crushed stone in it.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,730 Likes: 289
Lunker
|
Lunker
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,730 Likes: 289 |
Did they put crushed rock in the dam core?
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,730 Likes: 289
Lunker
|
Lunker
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,730 Likes: 289 |
Hope you fared ok in the storm! Glad that you have power.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 21
|
OP
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 21 |
I think I'm just nervous about the whole project. A big investment. They spent the first day clearing and on day two they dug a hole to burn brush in. They just dumped 5 or 6 dump truck loads around where the dam is going to be. The company has an excellent reputation on pond building. We just had a lot of rain here.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,428 Likes: 20
|
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,428 Likes: 20 |
There should be as little rock as possible in the dam core and the water side of the dam. The back slope doesn't matter as much. Front slope and core should be compacted clay-as uncontaminated as possible. If there are a lot of rocks in the core that almost guarantees leaks.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,186 Likes: 29
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,186 Likes: 29 |
We have a lot of rock in our dam, but there is also enough clay that it worked out just fine (apart from lack of compaction). Some of the rocks are quite large, 800 pounders and up.
As long as there is enough clay to fill the gaps between rocks like a concrete wall, you should be fine. The problem is if there is not enough clay to fill the gaps, or things are not compacted with the rocks in mind.
Another option is to make sure the larger rocks are set aside, you can then use them later in the landscaping, fish structure, and sitting/fishing platforms.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 21
|
OP
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 21 |
Well they worked all day on the dam. The dirt with the rocks was pushed to the side to use to fill in the burn pile hole. They dug the core filled with all clay. The soil on my farm is all clay so finding enough clay for the dam is no problem. They hope to get dam done by Friday. Then we'll start working on the shape. Its getting exciting to see my dream come true.
|
|
|
Moderated by Bill Cody, Bruce Condello, catmandoo, Chris Steelman, Dave Davidson1, esshup, ewest, FireIsHot, Omaha, Sunil, teehjaeh57
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|