WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF

Research 19.03.2025
Satellite early warning system for natural hazards
Satellite early warning system for natural hazards

SLF researchers train Indian specialists to better model natural hazards in the Himalayas and prevent disasters.

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Research 07.03.2025
“Snow and blueberry pie are connected.”
“Snow and blueberry pie are connected.”

Snow-free slopes at 1,900 m.a.s.l.: SLF biologist Christian Rixen explains the consequences for plants and why late frost becomes a risk.

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Research 21.01.2025
SLF obtains patent for SnowImager
SLF obtains patent for SnowImager

The SnowImager analyses the snowpack quickly and objectively, supporting climate research and natural hazard warnings.

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Research 16.12.2024
Wind modifies snow crystals – and climate models
Wind modifies snow crystals – and climate models

Experiments conducted by the SLF show how wind transforms snow crystals. The findings are significant for climate research.

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In den Alpen bildet vom Wind verfrachteter Schnee häufig Schichten, die Schneebretteigenschaften haben. (Foto: Christian Rixen)
 

Research for people and the environment in a changing world

NEWS

Institutional
20.03.2025

WSL Annual Report 2024

A new WSL strategy, SNSF funding for two major projects, and a new director: WSL's highlights of 2024.

Research
18.03.2025
Der Wald erfüllt viele Funktionen für Mensch und Umwelt. (Foto: Simon Speich)

Forest Report 2025: Swiss forests under pressure

Climate change is visibly affecting the forest, as shown by the 2025 Forest Report published by the FOEN and WSL.

Services and products
11.03.2025

White Risk: the new-look SLF app

A new design, more functionality and clarity and extra, updated learning content: introducing the revamped White Risk app for snow tourism.

Snow and avalanches
10.03.2025

2023/24 was a winter of gliding snow

Little snow at low, lots at high altitudes, above-average accident figures - the 2023/24 winter report is here. (only in German and French)

Logbook
26.02.2025

The adventure is over

SLF scientist Sergi González-Herrero writes about his work in Antarctica to get young students involved in science. Part 9

Institutional
28.01.2025

WSL adapts its organigramm

WSL adapts its organigram: the research activities will now be organized into only nine research units instead of the previous twelve.

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AvaBlog

Our experts analyze the avalanche situation.
17 March 2025

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