Searching for a little reassurance here...

We've been on the rink a few times over the last few days, having a ton of fun. I've resurfaced a few times so far using a bunch of bucket dumps...which has been working really well (small rink).

Tonight I had some significant cracking when I dropped the water on the slab. It's colder tonight than it has been previously when I've done this. About 14F this evening. Could that be the cause? The cracks don't look like they've resulted in any portions coming "out of level" and whatever fissures were created look like they've allowed plenty of water into them

Is this standard behavior for a slab of ice? At least while it is still relatively new? Anything I should know or do differently going forward?

Thanks all,
Bob

This will happen when it is bitter cold outside - even without water being applied. Don't be too worried about it but definitely resurface over top. It's really only an issue when you can see space between the two pieces of slab. When this happens, patch with slush or slowly fill the cracks (add a little, let it freeze, add a little more, etc) and then resurface.

It still sends shivers up my spine when I am flooding and I hear that crack. I know there is no water beneath me but it sends me back to playing on the pond or horsing around on the river.

Glad you are skating!
Kevin