Reservoir Help?

The property we are moving to has a natural seasonal reservoir (during spring run off) I know almost nothing about how to contain ground water effectively (other than a pool or other container)

I have posted pictures on my BLOG If any one has some ideas for me on how we might be able to improve this so water last more than just during run off that would be wonderful! The current owner says in dry years (like we have experienced the last few years) it doesn't even hold water through planting season. In wet years it has held water through June.

Base from what I can see from your pictures, the soil looks sandy. If that is the case you will either have to dig further down, add a clay layer at the bottom of the reservoir or install a pond liner.

The soil is made up of about 35% sand, 37% silt and 25% clay. (I cannot find a report for soil out of the run off area but closer to the house soil tests were done so I am using that) When the soil gets wet it turns into a slurry that is horrifying! (no driving the dirt roads unless they have been graveled) The soil sits on lythic bedpan and is has a profuse abundance of Rhyolite and Basalt. The reports that they have on the property say the shrink-swell of the soil has a moderate affect on the sustainability of a pond reservoir area.

I figured we would have to dig down a bit, but we do have to consider water rights since I don't want the Water Master telling us we are stealing the big ranchers water. I am certain that laying a pool liner will cause some issues with the Water Master. I am thinking this has to be done as close to natural as possible. One of the great things about the neighborhood is there are 12 ponds, 18 reservoirs, and 3 actual lakes in our plains area. (Some dry right now because of the drought but a good snow pack will fix that) We have an average snowfall of 50 inches so a good chance to fill the reservoir if we have a good snow year.

Thank You for responding