Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Renovating a Pond or Lake? What should the renovated pond bottom look like?

As I mentioned in my intro, I am cleaning out and deepening an existing 1 acre-ish pond. My contractor drained nearly all the water and dug for 9 days with a 60 ft long reach excavator. Decades (centuries?) of loam and peat were removed, intermixed with layers of clay. The deepest holes of 17' were all clay. 4:1 and 3:1 slopes were excavated into concentric terraces as seen in the photos. The spoils will be dealt with in the Spring after drying out.

I am happy with the work, but I am wondering about the contours and firmness of the pond bottom soil. I asked about compaction, and he said that really only applies to building dams around these parts. I don't even think machinery can get down into the soggy hole to compact without getting stuck. So, the plan is to leave the excavation "raw" as is and let her fill with water. The water level raised 6 inches in a week after some snow melt and light showers.

I ask because I see pictures on this forum of bulldozers driving over beautifully sculpted pond bottoms that look as smooth and firm as soup bowls. My pond bottom is soft and lumpy! Will all the dirt eventually saturate and compress over time?

It looks good to me. I wouldn't worry if the pond isn't as smooth a a baby's bottom - one doesn't want structure on a baby, but you do in a pond.

Yes, mini structure for fish.

If the pond held water prior to excavator renovation, then it should hold water when it fills. Hopefully the pond holds water well.
Apparently there are no spring water inflow seepages into the pond or it would have more water in it now than 6".

Irregularities of large dirt clumps will soak up water, fall apart , smooth and settle as relatively loose sediment mounds after they are inundated with water after a few months. If you want any types of structure you should think about adding it as the pond fills.

IMO If you plan to install an airline for an aerator do not make the area littered with branches and other stuff where the diffuser would be drug out (rope). Aeration diffusers should be removed each year and scrubbed clean to they operate with best efficiently. Some places say one can clean the diffuser by pulsing air to it. IMO that does not work especially if the water is clear enough that attached algae grows on the diffuser. Diffuser needs to be scrubbed clean. As an alternate you can install the diffuser with air hose by dragging and transporting the airline and diffuser in a boat, For ease of installation I prefer the rope dragging of the diffuser in and out of the pond however it needs a litter free pond bottom in this work area.

Attach a rope to the diffuser and take it to the closest shoreline. If you need more rope length to pull in and out just tie on more rope to pull it. Bring the rope back to the closest shore and untie the extra rope.