break-up season
n.— «Warmer weather in Western Canada means the winter thaw of ice and snow—or “break-up season,” as it’s known in the industry—has started early this year, effectively making the winter drilling season two to three weeks shorter than normal.» —“Early spring halts drilling season” by Norval Scott in Calgary Globe and Mail (Toronto, Canada) Mar. 14, 2007. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)