Pipeline Peril: Beware Frost Heave and Winter Floods
Published Date: 2/11/2026
Notice
Summary
PHMSA is alerting all gas and hazardous liquid pipeline owners to watch out for extreme winter weather risks like heavy snow, ice, flooding, and frost heave that can damage pipelines. They’re urging pipeline operators to winterize their systems and keep a close eye on ground shifts to keep energy flowing safely. This heads-up is happening now to help avoid costly repairs and outages during the cold season.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Operators Urged to Winterize and Monitor
PHMSA told owners and operators of gas and hazardous-liquid pipelines (notice issued February 11, 2026) to winterize systems and increase monitoring for heavy snow, ice, flooding, frost heave, and ice expansion during the winter of 2025-2026. The bulletin lists specific actions like accelerating aerial and ground patrols, inspecting above‑ground equipment, and draining water from valves to avoid damage and outages.
Reminder of Surveillance Requirements
PHMSA reminded pipeline owners and operators that under 49 CFR 192.613 and 195.401 they must maintain procedures for continuing surveillance of facilities and take action when conditions change; PHMSA states extreme winter weather is a change in condition that may require proactive response. The reminder underscores that operators should review and use their surveillance procedures in response to the winter 2025-2026 conditions.
Advisory Aims to Prevent Energy Outages
PHMSA issued this advisory on February 11, 2026 to help ensure the continued safe operation of the Nation's energy infrastructure during the winter of 2025-2026 by reducing risks from heavy snow, ice, flooding, frost heave, and ice expansion so as to help avoid costly repairs and service outages. The bulletin urges operators to take steps now to keep energy flowing safely during freeze and thaw cycles.
Advisory Is Non‑Binding Guidance
PHMSA explicitly states this advisory bulletin does not have the force and effect of law and is not meant to bind owners, operators, or the public. Operators therefore receive guidance and expectations but are not being issued a new regulation in this bulletin.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in