Hallstätter and Schladminger Gletscher, Dachstein

The mountain glaciers on Hoher Dachstein form the easternmost glacier complex in the entire Alps. With an area of just over 3km2 (2007) Hallstätter Gletscher is the largest. It is in contact with Schladminger Gletscher. Since 2006 mass balance is measured on Hallstätter Gletscher. Hallstätter and Schladminger Gletscher are used extensively for tourism. Pollution as a result of this, unfortunately, is severe. Annual "Gletscherzustandsberichte" at ANISA, Verein für Alpine Forschung focus on this issue.

Hallstätter and Schladminger Gletscher, Dachstein
View from the east over Hallstätter Gletscher. Left, in front of the cloud, the so-called "Dirndl"; the summit of Hoher Dachstein is behind the cloud.
Hallstätter and Schladminger Gletscher, Dachstein
Tourists on a path from the cable car station on Hunerkogel to Seethalerhütte or Dachsteinwarte, 2740 metres above sea level.
Hallstätter and Schladminger Gletscher, Dachstein
Effect of wind erosion and increased ablation due to heat radiated from the rock face at the base of Dirndl.
Hallstätter and Schladminger Gletscher, Dachstein
Firn stratigraphy showing folding and faulting as well as cross sections of crevasses are seen at the base of the Dirndl.
Hallstätter and Schladminger Gletscher, Dachstein
Pattern of snow-filled crevasses and firn stratigraphy on Hallstätter Gletscher.
Hallstätter and Schladminger Gletscher, Dachstein
Intensive folding of firn stratigraphy on the tongue of Hallstätter Gletscher.
Hallstätter and Schladminger Gletscher, Dachstein
Shadows from Koppenkarstein facilitates summer skiing since firn remains as late as August.
Hallstätter and Schladminger Gletscher, Dachstein
Cable car station, skilifts, power cable, the paraphernalia of modern, hard tourism in the Alps.
Aufanhmen 7. August 2009, Jürg Alean