A curve flume generalized model experiment was carried out to study the dike-break mechanism under frozen soil condition. Based on the three-dimensional(3-D) imaging principle of structured light, a non-interference and omnidirectional measurement method for the 3-D parameters of real time breach was developed. Combined with the temperature sensor to monitor the temperature change inside the embankment, the evolution process of the breach and the variation characteristics of water level, velocity and flow rate in the failure area of the homogeneous embankment under frozen soil condition were studied. According to the characteristics of beach erosion, the process of embankment failure is divided into four stages, including infiltration and overflow, back-embankment scour, horizontal widening and balance of erosion and siltation. For both cohesive embankment and non-cohesive embankment, scarp scour and collapse instability are the main characteristics of the second and third stages respectively, and the phenomenon of scarp merger occurs obviously for the cohesive embankment. The test results also show that, the ice crystals in adjacent soil are cemented with the soil particles after freezing, the cohesive force of soil increases, and the expansion rate of the breach and the change rate of water level and velocity in the failure area decrease. In addition, the influence of the frozen soil depth on cohesive embankment is more obvious. The connection part between the backwater side and the top of the embankment is weak and easy to breach under frozen soil condition, so the maintenance should be strengthened, and the water side dike should be sealed first once the embankment breaks.