Field and associated laboratory experiences with closed-system freezing in earth embankment dams and canals are presented. This type of freezing can cause a redistribution of soil density and moisture, which needs to be considered in the design of soil structures used as water barriers in cold regions. Frost-depth measurements made during the winter of 1978–1979 on two earth dams during interruption of their construction and on the Teton Dam remnant in the State of Idaho, U.S.A., are shown, along with associated soil conditions, air-freezing indexes, and insulating effects of snow and, for one dam, a loose soil cover. Some trends of density and moisture changes near the embankment surfaces were established. Keeping in mind known effects of freezing on soils, the paper raises questions about possible changes in soil density and shrinkage of embankments in contact with bedrock abutments that might adversely affect the safety of earth dams.Key words: dams (earth), canals, frost action, frost protection, soil density, soil moisture, soil shrinkage, soil tests, Teton Dam.