The city has patched more than 25,000 potholes so far this year. (CBC)

The City of Ottawa has already patched some 25,000 potholes since the start of 2013, and crews are expected to be busy this weekend in the aftermath of the most recent storm.

Twelve crews will be at work this weekend after city plows and warmer temperatures helped clear the snow and slush off most of the city's roads.

The pattern of freezing and thawing, however, has led to the deterioration of road surfaces and potholes. When water collects inside them, potholes can grow in size and remain hidden from view for motorists.

Ashley Jameson discovered this the hard way when she was driving down Colonel By Drive Thursday night.

Potholes covered by puddles

"I was driving home from work, about 6:30 at night, there were five cars in front of me and all of a sudden I hit a pothole that was covered by a puddle," said Jameson.

The impact bent a front and rear rim and left both tires flat. Jameson said replacing everything is costing her close to $500.

She's filed compensation claims with the National Capital Commision, which owns the road, and the City of Ottawa, which is in charge of maintaining it.

City crews use a durable hot patching technique to quickly fix holes as they appear. In a given year, they usually fill between 130,000 and 180,000 holes at an annual cost of $6 million.

The city said it is doing its best to respond quickly to hazardous potholes and is asking people to call 311 immediately if they spot one.