On the winter solstice I *just happened* to have my big sledge with me at the springs. The new wall can be easily broken up but the size of the boulders used in its construction stopped me - I expected reasonably sized rocks mortared in place like other walls there but the builder used huge rocks probably well over 100 lbs apiece. Not wanting to just roll them into the Womb I didn't touch the job. For the project I recommend several strong like-minded volunteers with some steel rope and/or chain to drag them away from the Womb.
I believe it is less safe to traverse up and out of the Womb because of the big vertical step now needed. Not everyone is a billy goat like Jobe :-)
I too thought the water was cooler but I chalked that impression up to having never been there in Dec or Jan. There was no water pooling behind the wall, the PVC pipe was uncapped so the water was flowing free into the Womb.
Lastly, regarding seismic activity: I believe the right quake can stop the flows as we know them today, making the water too hot /too cold /change output locations. That's why I cherish every visit and try to enjoy each as if it is my last.
Indeed, Happy New Year all!