We are looking to add another stock pond on top section of property to complement the tank on lower section of property. Section we have chosen has natural runoff and what appears to be high clay content. To figure out our options we had a backhoe come in and dig two holes to determine water table depth and soil type.

We are presently in extreme drought conditions and location sites approximately 1200ft above sea level and we quite surprised (well at least I was) to find that the water table was so high. We dug down 15ft past about 5 feet of dark soil/clay, 5 maybe 6 feet of “clay” caliche and then onto caliche soil. At about 14/15ft we noticed ground was damp so stopped digging any deeper. About 30 minutes later water was very visible in hole. Several hours later the water had risen to about 9.5ft below surface level.

We are still waiting for results on soil samples but indications are pretty good for water retention. Now the big decision is going to be between stock tank or concrete floored barn (chances are the barn will win out).