WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF

Research 08.04.2026
How forests affect snow cover
How forests affect snow cover

Forest, sunshine and slope position all affect when snow melts. The SLF has conducted the first large-scale study into these interactions.

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A scenic mountain landscape featuring a snow-capped peak in the background. In the foreground, a ridge covered with rocky terrain and evergreen trees slopes down towards a densely forested valley. The sky is clear with a few clouds.
 
Research 12.03.2026
Measuring snow in Davos – day by day, year by year
Measuring snow in Davos – day by day, year by year

Almost 90 years of snow data – made possible by the SLF's doctoral students.

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A group of four people in winter clothing is gathered in a snowy landscape. One person is holding a chunk of snow, while another leans in to examine it closely. Ski equipment is visible in the background, indicating a mountain or ski area setting.
 
Research 02.03.2026
New theory for rapid measurement of snow density
New theory for rapid measurement of snow density

The SLF has developed a basis for measuring snow density using infrared light, with implications for climate and avalanche research.

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A person in a red jacket and black beanie is positioned beside a snow pit, connecting a device to a black box. Snow-covered mountains rise in the background. The scene captures research or measurement activities in a winter landscape.
 
Research 18.02.2026
Cracks in snow: faster than theoretically expected
Cracks in snow: faster than theoretically expected

SLF study: cracks in weak layers propagate faster than previously thought – new insights into avalanche formation.

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A person in winter clothing sits on snow, using a laptop placed on a black case covered with stickers. The scene suggests a remote outdoor environment, possibly involving research or fieldwork, with snow and outdoor gear in the background.
 

Research for people and the environment in a changing world

NEWS

Institutional
16.03.2026

WSL Annual Report 2025

Managing natural hazards, a new professor, two grants for research into forests in climate change: the highlights of WSL 2025.

Logbook
26.02.2026
A snow-covered mountainous and rocky landscape. Residential containers can be seen in the valley.

Goodbye Antarctica

Phd student Anja Mödl is currently conducting research in Antarctica. She reports on her work and life at the Station. Part 4.

Logbook
13.02.2026
A surveying instrument is positioned on a tripod in a snowy landscape, with a river and rocky terrain in the background. The scene features mountains rising on either side and a clear sky, indicating early morning or late afternoon light.

You never get used to the Northern Lights

SLF PhD student Pia Ruttner spent six months in Iceland observing avalanches with a laser scanner.

Snow and avalanches
13.02.2026

Survey: Improve the avalanche danger scale

Together with the European Avalanche Warning Services EAWS, the SLF would like to improve the description of the danger levels. Take part now!

Logbook
04.02.2026
A fluffy skua chick sits on a rock. More rocks can be seen in the background.

Setbacks, Penguins, and a Marathon in Antarctica

Phd student Anja Mödl is currently conducting research in Antarctica. She reports on her work and life at the Station. Part 3.

Institutional
30.01.2026

Millions for muons: SLF participates in new NCCR

The SLF is using cosmic rays to investigate the snow cover as part of the new National Centre of Competence in Research "Muoniverse".

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AvaBlog

Our experts analyze the avalanche situation.
7 April 2026

current AvaBlog (in German)
current AvaBlog (in French)