iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

❄️ A first: no snow at Weissfluhjoch For the first time in 90 years of measurements, there was no #snow cover between July and September 2026 at the #SLF research site (2,536 m). After a hot, dry summer and low-snow winter, glacier snow also disappeared up to around 3,500 m. 📹 Timelapse SLF

13122

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Last Monday, experts and practitioners gathered at the #SLF for the #CERC workshop on #satellite radar interferometry (InSAR) to share knowledge, discuss methods and new challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Another workshop in German is planned for May 2027.

031

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

In the #FloraRaetica project, the #SLF, together with partner organisations and assisted by volunteers, is investigating how #climatechange is affecting #plant diversity in #Graubünden. More: www.slf.ch/en/news/trac... 📷️ J. Bettzieche @christianrixen.bsky.social @ingridjansen.bsky.social

130

Reposted by WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF

WSL Umweltforschung @wslresearch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

🪨 Using earthquake sensors, a research team led by WSL has reconstructed the #landslide at #Blatten. This is intended to improve analyses and predictions of such #natural hazards: www.wsl.ch/en/news/seis... @ethz.ch

wsl.ch

Seismic stations reveal what happened during the Blatten rock and ice avalanche

Using earthquake sensors, a research team has reconstructed the Blatten rock and ice avalanche. This is meant to help analyze such events.

063

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

The Hydrology & Climate Impacts in Mountain Regions research group at #SLF and @usyseth.bsky.social is looking for a doctoral student who is interested in working on the impacts of climate and hydrological extremes on water quality. More: jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOP... @manuelaibrunner.bsky.social

jobs.ethz.ch

Doctoral Student on impacts of climate and hydrological extremes on water quality

154

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

From 3D printer to #rockavalanche: Researchers from #SLF and #ETH are using an accurate #3D model of the area around #Blatten to investigate what happens when #water, #ice and more thunder down into a valley. More: www.slf.ch/en/news/3d-p... 📹 R. Oester / SLF #CERC

171

Reposted by WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF

WSL Umweltforschung @wslresearch.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

🍁🚣🏼‍♀️Brown trees and dry riverbeds: WSL Director Rolf Holderegger explains in an interview what needs to be done after the summer of 2026. www.wsl.ch/en/news/the-... #Summer2026 #Drought #Heatwave

wsl.ch

'The summer of 2026 could be an eye-opener for society'

Brown trees and dry riverbeds: WSL Director Rolf Holderegger explains in an interview what needs to be done after the summer of 2026.

052

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Jetzt streamen: SRF Einstein-Folge "Klima-Hotspot Alpen – Wandern im Engadin". Mit dabei vom SLF: @slfyvi.bsky.social über alpine Fernerkundungsmethoden am Piz Buin Pitschen und @annekempel.bsky.social über Murmel- und andere Tiere in einer wärmer werdenden Umwelt: www.srf.ch/play/tv/eins... 📷️ SRF

061

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

❄️ #SLF scientists are constantly out and about in spectacular landscapes and experience awe-inspiring moments – such as these #snow researchers carrying out snow profile and #albedo measurements on the #Jungfraufirn in August 2026.⁠ ⁠ 📷️ Ruzica Dadic⁠

040

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Training course «Practice meets science» – register now: From 15 to 19 February 2027, the #SLF will once more organise an advanced training course on #snow and #avalanches. More information and registration: www.slf.ch/en/about-the... 📷️ SLF

031

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

❄️ In #Canada, Pascal Haegeli was the only #avalanche researcher; now he heads the research unit Snow Avalanches and Prevention at the #SLF. In the interview, he explains how he intends to further develop his field of research: www.slf.ch/en/news/in-c... 📷️ J. Bettzieche / SLF #CERC

slf.ch

“In Canada, I was the only avalanche researcher.”

Pascal Haegeli, the new head of the SLF’s Snow Avalanches and Prevention research unit, talks about his plans for his field of research.

051

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Gone with the Wind: The #SLF uses a unique research station to measure individual #snowflakes and how the #wind carries them. The findings improve #avalanche forecasting and #snow modelling, and help with planning of alpine #photovoltaic systems. More: www.slf.ch/en/news/gone... 📷️ R. Oester / SLF

slf.ch

Gone with the wind: SLF measures snowflakes

A special measuring station helps SLF researchers track wind-driven snow transport, for more accurate avalanche forecasts and snow models

020

Reposted by WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF

WSL Umweltforschung @wslresearch.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

🍁🚣🏼‍♀️Forest trees which had turned brown by July, and water bodies with record-low levels: the summer of 2026 was extremely dry and hot. Experts from WSL and SLF answer frequently asked questions. www.wsl.ch/en/metanavig... #Drought #WaterShortage #forestecology #Forest #Energy #Heat

wsl.ch

The 2026 drought: Frequently asked questions and answers

The Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL studies forest, landscape, biodiversity, natural hazards and snow and ice. It is part of the ETH Domain.

0127

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

🔥 What is a #forestfire? 🌎 What impact does #climatechange have? 🫕 What is the situation in #Switzerland? In our article on forest fires, our experts answer the most frequently asked questions: www.slf.ch/de/naturgefa... 📷️ Fachy Marin / Unsplash @wslresearch.bsky.social #WSL #CERC

A forest at night, with red-orange flames glowing and illuminating the smoke against the sky.

041

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

🔥When the deodorant spray gets too hot: a little experiment – not for research purposes this time, but for safety. ⁠ ⁠ This is what the fire safety training looked like for SLF staff. 💥 ⁠ 📸 SLF⁠ ⁠ #SLF #Fire #FireSafety #Training #Safety #Explosion

031

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

🔥Trees damaged by #fire – a feast for #barkbeetles? 🌲SLF forest ecologist @alebottero.bsky.social assesses the risk in an interview. 🪳 Read the article here: www.slf.ch/en/news/fore... 📸 Theresa Banzer / SLF #SLF #SLFDavos #Forestfire

010

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

🕷️Survey on ticks in Graubünden 🕷️⁠ 📋@annekempel.bsky.social want to find out at what altitudes these arachnids are now living in Graubünden – as climate change has caused them to migrate to higher ground. ⁠ ⁠ 💡Take part! limesurvey.wsl.ch/index.php/33... 📸 IPZ-FS / Francis Schaffner⁠ #SLF #Ticks

120

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

🪲Looking for #insects, 🌱making seed bombs, ❄️testing snowballs for hardness and 🧊thawing #permafrost – that’s what the holiday activity programme at the SLF looked like this week. The #snowball fight at the end is, of course, a must. 😎 📸SLF #SLF #SLFDavos #holidayactivity #kids #experiments

020

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

🔥SLF #forest #fire expert Julia Miller joins us for an interview to explain why so many 🌲forests in Europe are burning, why the situation is not going to improve - and why such #extreme events will become more frequent in the coming decades. More: www.slf.ch/en/news/were... 📸 Roman Oester / SLF

094

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

New #flood projections based on hourly rather than daily #data show that 100-year floods could be 5 to 15 per cent more intense in the future and occur every 45 to 80 years. The main reason are short, more intense heavy #rainfall events. More: www.slf.ch/en/news/how-... 📷️ M. Brunner / SLF

A flooded street lined with trees, showing standing water covering the roadway. A no-entry sign is visible near the water's edge, while buildings can be seen in the background. The scene is overcast, indicating rainy weather.

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.

050

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Dancing #snow at the #SLF #avalanche test site in the Vallée de la Sionne (Arbaz, VS), captured on a high-speed camera. A robust data-acquisition system is required to collect such videos and information from 185 sensors. After 20 years, it has been replaced. www.slf.ch/en/news/new-... 📹 I. Calic

093

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Coffee break – especially whilst installing a measuring station on the #Jungfraufirn. Over the next few years, the station will collect #weather data so that researchers can investigate the impact of #climatechange on #firn #snow. 📷️ Horst Machguth @unifr.bsky.social @ethz.ch

050

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

#Job at #SLF in #Davos: For our #Snow and #Atmosphere research unit, we are looking for a PhD student who will validate and deploy DMAPS muon sensors for measuring Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) in alpine environments in collaboration with @psi.ch. More information: apply.refline.ch/273855/1876/...

050

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

🌞 Light is energy, snowmelt, life and more. This makes it all the more important to know when, where and how much light reaches the ground in #Switzerland. #SLF researchers are now making precisely this data available to the public. More: www.slf.ch/en/news/new-... 📷️ M. Bolliger / C. Webster

040

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

💧Too little rain and snow, too little water in the rivers: An interview with SLF hydrologist Manuela Brunner on the causes of the ongoing drought in Switzerland. More: www.slf.ch/en/news/the-... 📸Manuela Brunner / SLF #SLF #Snow #Rain #drought #snowmelt #water #river #lake #watershortages

082

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Plenty of water, fine-rich sediments and a steep slope – that's all it takes to create a hazardous #debrisflow. #SLF researchers studied ten different debris-flow channels in #Switzerland to gain a fuller understanding of flows. More: www.slf.ch/en/news/reci...

slf.ch

Recipe for hazardous debris flows

Research into ten Swiss debris flow channels is yielding valuable data for debris flow calculations.

060

Reposted by WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF

WSL Umweltforschung @wslresearch.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

To be prepared for the future, we need to understand the past and the present. That is why our researchers at WSL and @slfdavos.bsky.social collect data, build models and carry out observations. Read about how they do this and what they discover in the DIAGONAL magazine www.wsl.ch/en/publicati...

0113

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

#Job at #SLF in #Davos: For our Snow Physics research group we are looking for a PostDoc in Snow Isotope Modelling ❄️ More information and application: apply.refline.ch/273855/1873/...

010

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

New #SLF management team: the renowned Davos-based institute is now being co-led by the four on-site heads of unit, with effect from 1 June 2026. Ruzica Dadic is the first woman in the SLF's top role and has taken over as head of the board. More: www.slf.ch/en/news/new-... @wslresearch.bsky.social

slf.ch

New SLF management team

Following the retirement of the former head of the SLF, the institute is now being co-led by the four on-site heads of unit.

042

Reposted by WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF

VAW Glaciology @vaw-glaciology.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

This week we welcomed Samuel Weber from SLF Davos to our glaciological seminar! He presented a physically based framework for understanding permafrost rock slope destabilization, combining lab experiments, field data, and mechanical modelling, with the Matterhorn as study site. @slfdavos.bsky.social

062

Reposted by WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF

Anne Kempel @annekempel.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Time to set up our @bugnet.bsky.social field sites for the season in @slfdavos.bsky.social after the snow has melted: Carole Schöpfer doing a great job in assembing all #opentopchambers and in creating this nice video 🥰

0124

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

"Die Vorstellung eines Klebers, der den Berg zusammenhält, ist für grosse Hanginstabilitäten [...] unpassend", sagt #SLF Forscher Robert Kenner über die gängige Meinung, #Permafrost sei wie ein Kleber. Details: www.slf.ch/de/news/perm... 📷️ 1: Marcello Negrini / 2: Stefan Suhner #CERC

slf.ch

Permafrost – das dünne Eis des Kenntnisstands

Was haben tauender Permafrost und schmelzende Gletscher mit Felsstürzen zu tun? Permafrost-Forscher Robert Kenner fasst zusammen.

041

Reposted by WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF

CSCS - Swiss National Supercomputing Centre @cscsch.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Even Antarctica is seeing stronger heatwaves due to climate change. Using #CSCS’s #Alps supercomputer, SLF researchers studied one of the continent’s most severe recent heatwaves and its impact on the Antarctic ice sheet. Discover more: www.cscs.ch/science/eart... @slfdavos.bsky.social

042

Reposted by WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF

Swiss Polar Institute @swisspolar.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Cover photo © 2025 Matthias Jaggi, all rights reserved

062

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

#Satellite radar #InSAR is transforming how we map and monitor #alpinehazards. Join the #CERC one-day workshop to learn how it works, its pros/cons, and how to apply it for mapping, monitoring and risk management. 📅 28 September 2026 📍 Davos Register now: cerc.slf.ch/en/workshop/

060

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

#Avalanches: When will the house of cards collapse?⁠ #SLF PhD student Jakob Schöttner has examined 63 samples of weak layers in the cold laboratory – the tests show how great the compressive and shear forces must be for a fracture to occur. More: www.slf.ch/de/news/lawi... 📹️ J. Schöttner

030

Reposted by WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF

SCNAT @scnat.ch · 09/04/2026

🇨🇭🌡️ Die #Schweiz erwärmt sich doppelt so schnell wie der globale Durchschnitt - mit welchen #Folgen und welchen Handlungsoptionen? Der neueste #Bericht der @scnat.ch bietet eine aktuelle Übersicht über die wichtigsten wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisse zum #Klimawandel 👉 proclim.scnat.ch/de/id/GJt7A?...

0148

Reposted by WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF

SCNAT @scnat.ch · 09/04/2026

🇨🇭🌡️ La #Suisse se réchauffe deux fois plus vite que la moyenne mondiale : quelles #conséquences et surtout quelles #solutions ? Le nouveau #rapport de la @scnat.ch fait le point sur les #connaissances scientifiques actuelles sur le #changementclimatique 👉 proclim.scnat.ch/fr/id/GJt7A?...

0128

Reposted by WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF

SCNAT @scnat.ch · 01/04/2026

📢 Lancement des inscriptions pour le 5e Congrès suisse du #paysage! Il se tiendra les 3 et 4 septembre à Davos, co-organisé par @wslresearch.bsky.social et le #FoLAP de la @scnat.ch. Vers le programme et les excursions ▶️ congrespaysage.ch/programme/ Pour s'inscrire 👉 congrespaysage.ch/inscription/

083

Reposted by WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF

SCNAT @scnat.ch · 01/04/2026

📢 Jetzt anmelden! Der 5. Schweizer #Landschaftskongress findet am 3. und 4. September in Davos statt - organisiert von @wslresearch.bsky.social und das #FoLAP der @scnat.ch. Zum Programm & Exkursionen ▶️ landschaftskongress.ch/programm/ Zur Anmeldung 👉 landschaftskongress.ch/anmeldung/

043

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

In CH, #forests account for 20-30% of total #snow storage in #winter. On south-facing slopes, snow usually lingers longer in alpine forests than in the neighbouring open terrain. On north-facing slopes, the opposite is true, as SLF researchers found. More: www.slf.ch/en/news/how-... 📷️ V. Haagmans

020

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Verlauf der täglichen relativen Schneehöhen vom 1. Dezember 2025 bis 30. März 2026, jeweils im Vergleich zum langjährigen Mittel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhNb... 3/3

youtube.com

Relative Schneehöhen Winter 2025/26 | Hauteurs de neige relatives de l'hiver 2025/26

YouTube video by WSL-Institut für Schnee- und Lawinenforschung SLF

001

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Statements zum Winter 2025/26 von Benjamin Zweifel, Lawinenwarner (Allgemeiner Rückblick, Unfallzahlen, weitere Aussichten): www.youtube.com/watch?v=faCu... 2/3

youtube.com

Rückblick auf den Winter 2025/26 mit Statements von Benjamin Zweifel, Lawinenwarner

YouTube video by WSL-Institut für Schnee- und Lawinenforschung SLF

100

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

So war der Winter 2025/26: Ungünstiger Schneedeckenaufbau, sehr grosse Lawinengefahr im Februar, viele Lawinenunfälle Alle Infos gibt's im Winterrückblick: www.slf.ch/de/lawinenbu... 📷 M. Senn 1/3

142

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

#Snow measurement in #Davos – day after day, year after year: since autumn 1936, researchers have been measuring snow data at #Weissfluhjoch every day. #SLF PhD students from the so-called Jochdienst explain what it means to them. More info: www.slf.ch/en/news/meas... 📹 J. Bettzieche

072

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF @slfdavos.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

From measurement to theory: Near #infrared light can be used to determine #snow #density precisely and quickly. #SLF researcher Lars Mewes has developed a new theory on this topic. Read more in the news article: www.slf.ch/en/news/new-... 📷️ Lars Mewes, SLF / Bruno Augsburger

022