WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF

Research 07.08.2026
"Forest fires can put extra stress on trees"
"Forest fires can put extra stress on trees"

Forest ecologist Alessandra Bottero explains why forest fires can increase bark beetle infestation risk and how to prevent mass infestations

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Aerial view: the left-hand half shows burnt forest, the right-hand half shows unburnt forest.
 
Research 04.08.2026
TickTrack: a survey to map tick distribution
TickTrack: a survey to map tick distribution

As climate change sees ticks spreading to higher elevations, an SLF survey aims to find out just how high up in Graubünden they now live.

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Research 21.07.2026
"We're heading into the peak season now."
"We're heading into the peak season now."

SLF forest fire expert Julia Miller explains why so many forests in Europe are burning and why the situation is not going to improve.

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Woman with long blonde hair wearing a black t-shirt standing in front of dense forest
 
Research 15.07.2026
How often will 100-year floods occur in future?
How often will 100-year floods occur in future?

Heavy precipitation is increasing with climate change, but previous flood projections underestimated its impact in the Alps.

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A person stands on a rocky riverbank, wearing a red jacket and navy pants. The background features tall trees and some greenery, with clear water flowing in front. Sunlight creates a bright atmosphere, highlighting the natural setting.
 

Research for people and the environment in a changing world

NEWS

In the media
30.07.2026
Felsiger Berg mit Schneefeldern unter blauem Himmel

Rock avalanche at Piz Scerscen

SLF researcher Livia Pierhöfer writes in the Bündner Woche about what she has discovered regarding the rock avalanche on 14 April 2024.

Institutional
07.07.2026
A group of six young adults stands in a line on a stage, dressed in formal attire. They are holding certificates or awards and appear to be smiling. A colorful, abstract background is displayed behind them, suggesting a celebratory or event atmosphere.

“We get our knowledge from everywhere!”

Graduating with a grade of 5.7: How two SLF IT apprentices became the best in their subject in the canton.

Research
23.06.2026

Graubünden blooms with Flora Raetica

"Flora of Graubünden" will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2032—for the new edition, volunteers and researchers are documenting the local flora.

Services and products
11.06.2026

What have we learned about climatic extremes?

Heat, drought, heavy rain: a new website presents the key findings and products of the WSL research programme “Extremes”.

Services and products
04.06.2026
Two hikers are standing on rocks covered in a light dusting of snow, looking out over a mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks. Yellow larch trees stand beside them. The sky is clear and blue.

Nothing stays the same: understanding change

To be prepared for the future, we need to understand the past. The new DIAGONAL explains how WSL and SLF are helping to achieve this.

Research
04.06.2026
The deep riverbed of the Illgraben gives a sense of the enormous masses of scree that thunder down into the valley here.

Measuring metre-high surge waves

For the first time, WSL researchers tracked debris flows over two kilometres, revealing how these dangerous mudflows unfold.

All news

AvaBlog

Our experts analyze the avalanche situation.
15 April 2026

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