Winter weather can place significant stress on manure storage structures by exposing them to freezing temperatures, snow loads, and repeated freeze–thaw cycles. Cold weather can widen small cracks in concrete or earthen walls, allowing seepage that may go unnoticed until spring. Ice buildup on the surface of stored manure can also push against the sides of a lagoon or tank, creating pressure that weakens the structure over time.
Heavy snow or sudden thaws increase the volume of liquid entering the storage system, reducing the amount of freeboard and raising the risk of overflow. In exposed areas, wind-driven ice and fluctuating temperatures can erode earthen liners or compromise areas where the soil is already soft or uneven. These seasonal stresses make regular winter inspections important for catching early signs of wear.
