Winter-related cracks or failures in containment basins often stem from the stresses of repeated freezing and thawing. When water in the soil or in small gaps within the basin walls freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the surrounding material.
Repeated freeze-thaw cycles weaken concrete, compacted clay, and earthen structures, eventually causing fractures or separation. Ice forming along the inside surface of a basin pushes outward as it grows, potentially creating force that the structure isn't designed to handle. Sudden warm periods followed by rapid temperature drops can worsen these effects by causing the material to shift too quickly for it to remain stable.
