Manure ponds and lagoons are more prone to overflowing in winter because they receive extra water at a time when very little can evaporate or soak into the surrounding soil. Snow and ice store water on the ground, but once a thaw occurs, the sudden flow of meltwater into the lagoon can add a large volume in a short period.
Once water flows into a lagoon, the frozen soil around it prevents moisture from dispersing. Ice formation on the surface can also reduce usable capacity by taking up space and slowing the movement of liquids inside the pond. If the structure already has limited freeboard or if storms bring more precipitation than expected, these combined factors can push a lagoon past its safe limit and increase the chance of overflow during the winter months.
