Abstract: Dam construction during a technogenic deposit formation in harsh climatic conditions is complicated by cooling and subsequent freezing of tails deposited in dams. Due to this reason, frost cracks may form in the crest and in the dam deposition beach. These cracks are hazardous by a number of reasons. By splitting the dam body into separate segments they decrease its reliability and slope stability. Cracks decrease the water filtration path from a settling pond, thus, increasing head gradients and facilitating tail carry-over from the dam body. Cracks unfavorably affect operating conditions of pressure piping and may cause their failure. The study contains the field survey results that will provide insight into the crack opening width and depth.