Profile of the Zenting-Daxstein Weather Station

Behind every dependable data series stands a well-thought-out measuring station that suits its location and runs flawlessly even in harsh conditions. On this page we introduce our weather station on the Daxstein in detail and show which instruments we use to capture the daily weather. You will learn which sensors are in use, how they are set up and which standards we measure by. We also take a look at the site itself, whose exposed position on the slope brings special demands. Anyone who has tried to record a snow depth correctly in a windswept hollow knows how closely terrain and technology have to work together. Our aim is to draw as realistic a picture of the climate as possible while also giving laypeople an understandable look inside.

Location and Geographic Features

The station lies above the market town of Zenting at about 720 meters above sea level, well above the surrounding valleys of the Ohe and the Ilz. The open position on a small plateau allows unobstructed recording of wind, precipitation and radiation, which is decisive for the quality of meteorological records. At the same time the nearby forests cushion strong gusts without the measurements being skewed by unfavorable eddies. To the east stretch the higher parts of the Bavarian Forest with peaks such as the Brotjacklriegel and the Lusen, while to the west the view opens wide over the Danube valley. This position makes the Daxstein a kind of transition zone between the foothills and the low mountains, where low-pressure systems often behave differently than a few kilometers away. Anyone who is up here regularly quickly learns the fine differences between westerly weather, upslope stau situations and northeasterly cold air outbreaks.

Measuring Equipment in Use

To record air temperature we use a high-quality sensor in a professional radiation shield, mounted at the prescribed height of two meters above short-mown grass. Humidity is measured alongside it with a capacitive element that works precisely even at low temperatures and shows no rapid drift. For precipitation we rely on a heated tipping-bucket gauge, which registers rain, snow and freezing precipitation correctly even in winter. A cup anemometer with an attached wind direction sensor at ten meters height records wind speed and direction, as international standards require. Sensors for air pressure, global radiation and soil temperature add to this and provide a complete picture of atmospheric conditions. All values flow into a data logger that stores the measurements every minute and transfers them automatically to our evaluation database.

Snow Depth and Frost Depth as Special Topics

In the Bavarian Forest, measuring snow is among the most exciting tasks of a weather station, because snow conditions here are often changeable and sometimes dramatic. We measure snow depth electronically with an ultrasonic sensor and also by hand with a tested snow stake, to check the electronic values. For larger snow events we record not only total snow depth but also the new snow gained in a clearly defined time window. For frost depth we use a ground probe that captures the thermal state of the soil at several depths and delivers a realistic profile. These values are especially useful for homeowners, farmers and construction firms who need to estimate how deep the frost has penetrated the ground. Over the long term they also show how winters in the Bavarian Forest are changing and which periods produced especially severe frost spells.

Observation Method and Data Quality

Raw sensor data say little unless they are backed by careful checks, which is why every measurement here is also reviewed by human hand. Each morning the installation gets a visual inspection, in which unusual weather phenomena such as glaze ice, rime or storm damage are also noted. In addition we compare our values with neighboring stations to test plausibility and spot outliers quickly. If a sensor ever shows irregularities, we flag the affected data and replace them only after a clear explanation. This two-stage process of automatic recording and human review ensures a high quality that outside users can rely on. In this way long, gapless and consistent series arise, which are especially valuable for climate comparisons.

History of Weather Observation at the Daxstein

Continuous observation of the weather at the Daxstein now reaches back many years and has grown from a private passion into a fixed part of regional climate documentation. It all began with simple instruments and handwritten notebooks in which precipitation, temperature and snow depth were noted day after day. Over the years ever more modern sensors were added, so that comprehensive digital data capture is now a matter of course. The old records are by no means redundant; on the contrary, they form the foundation for meaningful long-term comparisons and historical reports. From them, climatological trends can be derived that span several decades. Anyone who delves into these data discovers not just numbers but also a piece of lived local history from the Bavarian Forest.

Care, Maintenance and Further Development

A weather station does not run by itself; it needs constant attention, regular cleaning and the occasional repair, especially after storms or heavy snow loads. Several times a year all sensors are checked, calibrated and replaced if needed so that measuring accuracy is preserved for good. The site itself is also looked after, so that no overly tall plants, new obstacles or dirt deposits affect the values. In parallel we watch technical developments on the market in order to bring sensible innovations into station operation with care. This blend of constancy and measured modernization keeps our series comparable over the long term while still benefiting from progress. The result is a meteorological archive that serves science and the wider public alike and remains a living record of the weather at the Daxstein. If you want to learn more about the evaluations, you will find suitable information in the Monthly Reports and in the Annual Reviews.