WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF

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.
 
Institutional 17.02.2026
28000 historical photographs published
28000 historical photographs published

WSL and SLF have digitised their oldest photography collections. The pictures depict research and everyday life from over 120 years.

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At the edge of the forest, a tree is felled and falls to the ground.
 
Services and products 10.02.2026
20 years of White Risk: avalanche app wins award
20 years of White Risk: avalanche app wins award

A profile of the White Risk avalanche prevention platform, which turns 20 this winter and recently won the Best of Swiss Apps award.

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The graphic shows a mountain landscape with snow and two skiers climbing up a steep snowy slope. Screenshots also show how the ‘White Risk’ prevention platform has developed over the last 20 years from a CD-ROM to an app.
 

Research for people and the environment in a changing world

NEWS

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".

Institutional
27.01.2026
An audience is gathered in a lecture hall for the WSL-EAWAG Biodiversity Research Day. A sign in the foreground welcomes attendees, while a presentation is displayed on a screen in the background, indicating the event's focus on biodiversity research.

New Biodiversity Center of WSL and Eawag

WSL and Eawag join forces: the new WSL-Eawag Biodiversity Center links research on biodiversity on land and in water.

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AvaBlog

Our experts analyze the avalanche situation.
23 February 2026

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