naked eye. For this reason, in collaboration with the Swiss National Science Foundation, in 2002 the SLF became the first institute worldwide to install a micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanner, built [...] fracture properties, for example. For research purposes, however, the three-dimensional tomography data are much more important as input for computer simulations. In snow physics we use such simulations
recorded the growth and mortality of these plants for more than 40 years. We evaluated these long-term data with statistical methods (classification and regression trees as well as various multivariate regression [...] metres high below the current tree line and are in competition with each other. Image: Sara Niedermann/SLF The last complete inventory of the trees in 2015 found that 58% of the larches, 7% of the mountain [...] stability to the slope. The image shows the last registered avalanche scar in 2011. Photo: Christian Rixen/SLF Projects ¶ Contact ¶
could be snowpack on first-year ice, snowpack on multi-year ice or snowpack on a crevasse that has opened up in the ice and then frozen over again. We visit these various places in turn and record the physical [...] photographs of two adjacent snow profiles show layers with different grain sizes. Photo: Margret Matzl, SLF Studying the snow First we take pictures of the snow surface from various angles. These photos are [...] fox has paid us another visit and it turns out he's rather partial to cables. We found a number of data cables completely bitten through and a few of the power cables had been chewed in such a way as to
of the NESSy snow gun (photo: SLF archive) Fig. 2: Head of the NESSy ZeroE snow gun (photo: Bächler Top Track AG). Fig. 3: Operating principle of NESSy ZeroE (source: SLF archive). Snowmaking equipment [...] snow gun settings. We expect to be able to improve the efficiency of snowmaking with the aid of the data we are collecting. Contact ¶ Projects ¶ Links ¶ Bächler Top Track AG (http://www.bachler.ch/) FHNW
Macfarlane Even though the work on the ice floe is difficult and requires flexibility and perseverance, SLF doctoral student Amy Macfarlane never loses heart. She enjoys the unique landscape, is delighted about [...] Amy and her colleagues digging a snow profile, a cross-section through the snowpack. Cracks that open up in the ice force researchers to remain flexible and to constantly look for new locations for their
The SLF makes large parts of its data on snow and avalanches available to the general public free of charge.
Quantitative Wood Anatomy is a novel proxy for understanding environmental conditions, but data-sharing is hindered by inadequate repositories. This project will create a flexible repository for wood cell data using open-source technologies to establish an interactive, user-friendly platform.
Official opening of new SLF workshop and office building creates more room for research.
We were terrified that it would devour our high-precision measuring equipment or even the valuable data we'd been collecting. Polar bears get bored too ¶ Snow scientists at work. In the background: the [...] way back to Bremerhaven, MOSAiC is over and we are ready for the next "adventure": evaluating the data. Our measurements are important pieces of the jigsaw that will enable us to better understand the [...] from 20 nations are exploring the Arctic throughout the year, including researchers from WSL and SLF. The aim of MOSAiC is to study the interaction between atmosphere, ocean, sea ice and ecosystem. The
leading to avalanches release, (2) establish new methods to obtain more accurate avalanche activity data, and (3) develop numerical models to predict if avalanches are likely to release. In our research [...] Cyrill Hänni Software developer Stephan Harvey Technical staff member Pierre Huguenin Head of WSL/SLF site in Sion Yvo Keller Software developer Michael Josef Kohler PhD student Sirah Kraus Visiting scientist
the melting point of ice. A simple overview of the permafrost distribution can be obtained using the SLF permafrost map (PGIM) at maps.wsl.ch . In fractures and in the microscopically small pores (cavities) [...] much higher deformation velocities. The strength of the ice can make a difference here. Monitoring data indicate that ice is limiting the deformation velocity and delaying a failure. This retarding effect [...] term. The failure zone is located in permafrost. Measurements at sites in similar locations and the SLF permafrost map (PGIM ) indicate permafrost temperatures of minus three to minus two degrees Celsius
Danger levels ¶ The SLF uses the five-level European avalanche danger scale to denote the avalanche danger. However, in reality the avalanche danger does not change in steps, but continuously. This means [...] can reach roads and settlements in the valley. You are advised not to engage in winter sports beyond open ski runs and trails. Very rarely forecast. Around 1 % of avalanche fatalities. 4 high Very critical [...] moderately steep terrain. Heed runout zones of large avalanches. Unexperienced persons should remain on open ski runs and trails. Forecast only on a few days throughout the winter. Around 10 % of avalanche
Researchers at the SLF have provided snow depth data with which an artificial intelligence has been trained to determine snow depths.
For the avalanche bulletin, but also for climatological and hydrological purposes, the SLF operates an extensive network of automatic and manual measuring sites.
includes Martin Schneebeli and Matthias Jaggi from the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF), who now face spending the darkest, coldest period of the year in the Far North. However, Christmas [...] highlights. We had all taken along one or two gifts to exchange. Matthias and I were also finally able to open our Christmas present from our Davos colleagues and put up our Christmas cards. The main New Year's
The avalanche bulletin ¶ The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF uses the avalanche bulletin and various supporting products to inform the public about the current snow and avalanche situation [...] assessment. The information contained in the bulletin is too general for this because of the limited data it is based on. Target audience The avalanche bulletin is aimed at all those who are exposed to potential [...] problem, the danger description and information about the snowpack and the weather. Finally, measured data can also be displayed. The use of standardized terminology aids both understanding and implementation
portrait of an "instrument in progress". An important goal of the first generation of snow researchers at SLF was to measure snow mechanical properties quickly. The then developed ramsonde is used until today [...] analysis of snowpack strength and stability and environmental determinants on an inclined, forest opening. Ph.D. Dissertation, Department of Earth Sciences, Montana State University. 364 pp. Pielmeier, C
Snow and Avalanche Research SLF The data may be used stating our copyright and the date of your download. Example: Source: WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, retrieved on 26 February 2019 [...] plausibility by SLF staff and corrected if necessary, but may contain inaccuracies or omissions. The table is updated regularly but not daily. Spotted a discrepancy or error? Email accidents(at)slf . ch with [...] the forecast danger level. The table can be sorted by clicking on the table header. Notes on the data All avalanche accidents in which one or more people were killed in the avalanche are included. The
The ongoing digital transformation and the push towards open science sets new challenges when it comes to data processing and reproducibility. Our project aims at addressing these issues by providing a course for WSL on the usage of modern software engineering tools and high-performance computing to enable the automation of the data pipeline and ultimately facilitating reproducible and open science.
MeteoIO is an Open Source library offering a tool that can take in raw data and make it suitable to be used by a model.
In the project Forest3DTwin, we want to build a prototype for the open storage of measured 3D forest plot data with reference data and are convinced that this can be established at WSL in the long term.
Open doors at the SLF in Davos, SNSF funding for two major projects, and a new member joining the directorate: WSL's highlights of 2023.
SLF researchers optimize snowmelt models with satellite data. These advances are important for more precise flood warnings.
Now for the first time, the SLF snow maps are zoomable and updated daily. The data basis for the maps has been improved.
Solar parks in the Alps present project planners with special challenges. The SLF supports them with precise data on snow depth.
SLF researchers investigate in deep holes whether satellite data accurately show snowmelt to improve hydrological discharge forecasts.
SLF researchers have been mapping snow depths in detail over a large area. The new technique yields important basic data.
Since 2017, the SLF's test sites have been part of a global network of monitoring stations collecting and analysing data on the cryosphere.
A question of height: SLF research shows when protection forests really work – 50 years of data from Stillberg.
SLF data shows plant growth in mountain meadows starting earlier – this is a result of climate change in the Alps.
SLF researchers have collected data directly beneath gliding avalanches for the first time. They aim to accurately predict avalanche timing.
SLFPro is the feedback and information platform for SLF observers and local safety authorities. It is used to enter and visualize data in the area of snow and avalanches.
Three SLF employees are spending two months on the research vessel Polarstern to collect snow data in the Arctic ice. Part 3.
Three SLF Staff spend two months on the research vessel Polarstern to collect snow data in the Arctic ice. Part 2.
Three SLF employees spend two months on the research vessel Polarstern to collect snow data in the Arctic ice. Part 1.
Around 90 years of SLF snow measurements on the Weissfluhjoch provide key data for climate research, avalanche warnings and water supply.
Comprehensive satellite data, for smaller areas also drone images, with high resolution are well suited for the documentation of avalanche periods. For a (near-) realtime use the SLF is working on automating the mapping.
The main objective of SnowInflow is to reduce errors in inflow forecasts for hydropower producers during the critical snowmelt period. SLF will contribute with improved physics-based snow models and associated data assimilation schemes.
