Gigerwald dam and the new structures as seen from upstream during reservoir fillingThe main issues to be tackled during the design and construction of hydraulic works in harsher climates are connected to the extreme climatic conditions. Worker safetyThere also considerations with regards to worker safety within the dam environment when operating in such climates. Redundancy in construction site logistics can also play a role. Everything had to be ready before the snow started to melt because larger amounts of water would have stopped construction. This was by no means a matter of course, as the unusual construction site presented extraordinary challenges for the project management and employees.