Abstract: In view of the shortcomings of the conventional design of the drainage ditch on the dam surface of the tailings pond，combined with the current specifications of the tailings pond，the design stan⁃ dard and plane layout principle of the drainage ditch on the dam surface are clarified，and the structural types of common drainage ditches in tailings pond are compared and analyzed.In view of the serious prob⁃ lem of freezing damage in the conventional design of the dam surface drainage ditch of a tailings pond in the severe cold area，the key points in the design of the dam surface drainage ditch of the tailings pond are analyzed，and the material requirements and structural types to improve the anti-freezing damage ability of the dam surface drainage ditch are discussed，which can provide reference for the design of the dam surface drainage ditch of tailings pond in the severe cold area.

Key words: tailings pond, severe cold area, drainage ditch on dam surface, freeze injury