Hello Carolyn,  we encountered very similar problems on our property.  It was flat, surrounded by mountains, and had a high water table.  Crawdads were a regular sight to be seen.  Siting the barn and surrounding yard were a real challenge.  The solution was putting down 12-15 inches of shale (clay, sandstone and minerals) then compacting it with a dozer.  After that was laid, large gravel, about 3-4 inches thick, then a mix of pea gravel and fines.  We did this for the entire barnyard and adjoining roads.  We did not use geotextile anywhere and our solution has worked for about 9 years.  The shale, if left uncovered, will turn to mud but with the gravel, it has remained stable.  We've had heavy equipment over it, large heavy dump trucks carrying 15 tons of sand, gravel, etc. and have not had any problem.  The horses are all over it with no issues of mud coming through.  The solution offered by UM of draining a site using a pipe and wrapping it also works very well if it is directed to a drainage ditch.  We used this in the area under our "sandbox" that our horses use to roll and nap in.  Overall, the initial expense was worth it and we are eternally grateful to the very experienced and local man that suggested it.  He had an excavating company but lived in this area his entire life so was very familiar with the land and the problems that came with it. 

Marguerite, Allie & Bit

2021

West Virginia