How to dig a pond in stages

[JD5225]

I want to dig a pond on some flat ground I just bought. It is 15 acres and I need to build a road, dirt pad for a barn and build up some of the property because its flat. I want to end up with 1.5 to 2 acres of water. How do I build a pond in stages?

I was thinking of biting the bullet and renting a big trackhoe and work on it a little at a time over the years. I would ramp the dirt and in several spots.

 

[new jersey mike]

You may want to talk to an engineer/pond builder to check your water table. You don't want to do all that work the pond water maintains the level of the water table which at time is below the surface.

 

[bcp]

If you are going to BOTH dig AND move the dirt several hundred yards, something like this would be better than an excavator.

Product - Dirt Pan

Bruce

 

[rekees4300]

IMHO building a pond that big is beyond DIY. A telephone is more powerful than an trackhoe. Pick up the phone and call a professional. That's the only stage you'll need to do-it-right. :2cents:

 

[bcp]

This one was built in stages:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/97146-pond-dreaming-over.html

Bruce

 

[Reg]

I want to dig a pond on some flat ground I just bought. It is 15 acres and I need to build a road, dirt pad for a barn and build up some of the property because its flat. I want to end up with 1.5 to 2 acres of water. How do I build a pond in stages?

I was thinking of biting the bullet and renting a big trackhoe and work on it a little at a time over the years. I would ramp the dirt and in several spots.

I think the answer to "How ?" may be "Don't".
Unless you REALLY KNOW where the water table is, how the water flows beneath the surface.... and all that other stuff that geologists and hydrologists know how to figure out. You could be in deep do doo very quickly.

One day you may do just fine scooping stuff out, next day you migt find that bank has eroded away and there is 4 ft of dirty water at the bottom.

Just TOO unpredictable for a DIY'er

 

[creekbend]

Rest assured that I am not a professional in regards to constructing ponds. I did help my Father build 3 ponds in the 60's though. You stated that eventually you wanted a pond existing of 1.5-2.0 acres. You also previously stated that you wanted to do the work a little at a time in stages over a period of years. Once you start digging and then stop for an extended period of time, have you considered that rainwater or ground water will start filling the pit that you have already dug? My Father and I just kept digging our ponds until we had reached the area and depth that we wanted. BTW, how deep are you wanting to go? There are websites that will advise you on the slope in regards to reducing weed growth; etc. There is a TBN member named EddieWalker that would most definitely be able to assist you. He started a thread in regards to building a Lake. Wishing you the best in regards to your project.

 

[fishfactor]

A pond of that size is one of those things that you can contract out cheaper than you can rent the equipment and do it yourself. You would need a track hoe, dozer, and pan to be effective. Those rental fees add up really quick. Not to mention the technical aspects already mentioned.

 

[bcp]

Ponds--stages:

Bruce

 

[creekbend]

While you are thinking about it, here are a couple of photos of stages in ponds:

Bruce

I noticed one apparent discrepancy in regards to the pictures that you posted. None of the drivers of those "Stages" appear to be "Wells Fargo" drivers.