Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL

Avalanche bulletin and snow situation
Edition: Tue 16.12., 17:00
Avalanche Bulletin
Research 15.12.2025
Switch flipped for conditions conducive to fire
Switch flipped for conditions conducive to fire

Dry weather and low humidity are the main drivers of forest fires, with temperature playing a minor role.

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Hubschrauber mit rotem Löschbehälter fliegt vor orangefarbenem Rauch über grünem Feld mit Feuerwehrzelt.
 
Research 10.12.2025
CCAMM: conclusion highlights changing risks
CCAMM: conclusion highlights changing risks

Programme ends: researchers reveal how climate change is altering natural hazards in the Alps – and where action is now required.

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A mountain landscape featuring snow-covered peaks, rocky cliffs, and a waterfall flowing into a river. In the foreground, a green plain with scattered houses. Three people sit at a table examining maps or plans. The sky shows the sun, clouds, and wind lines indicating weather phenomena. On the right side, a grid pattern is overlaid on a mountain.
 
Research 08.12.2025
How many insects fly in the sky?
How many insects fly in the sky?

Using radar data, researchers estimate that around 100 trillion insects fly in the air above the USA every day.

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Research 26.11.2025
Avalanches sustain glaciers worldwide
Avalanches sustain glaciers worldwide

An international research team shows that avalanches contribute significantly to the health of many glaciers.

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A panoramic view of majestic snow-covered mountains under a clear blue sky. The landscape features glaciers and rugged terrain, showcasing the beauty of a winter alpine environment. Snow blankets the ground, creating a serene and untouched atmosphere.
 

Research for people and the environment in a changing world

News

Institutional
09.12.2025
A woman with long blonde hair sits on a desk in an office surrounded by various indoor plants. She wears a black turtleneck sweater and reddish-orange pants. A computer is visible next to her, along with a white board in the background.

1.89 million for understanding forest resilience

WSL forest ecologist Charlotte Grossiord receives an ERC Consolidator Grant to understand forest resilience to climate change.

Institutional
04.12.2025
Katrin Meusburgn sits on the ground in a forest, next to a freshly planted tree. The surroundings indicate reforestation activity.

WSL soil researcher becomes ETH professor

Katrin Meusburger researches how soils store and transfer water. The ETH Board has now appointed her as titular professor.

Institutional
27.11.2025
A woman with long dark hair smiles warmly at the camera. She is wearing a dark shirt and has a friendly demeanor, set against a plain, light-colored background.

1.8 mio CHF for research into the carbon cycle

Earth scientist Franziska Lechleitner is researching underground carbon cycles with an SNF Starting Grant worth 1.8 mio CHF.

Institutional
24.11.2025
Man standing in front of a blackboard with physics formulas

“Everything should be made as simple as possible.”

The students of ETH Zurich have voted: SLF researcher Johan Gaume receives the Golden Owl 2025 for excellent teaching.

Research
18.11.2025
Two hikers stand on rocky terrain, looking towards a large, glacial formation that contrasts with the surrounding arid landscape. The sharp spikes of snow and ice are typical of dry mountain regions. Meltwater streams pour from the glacier. The backdrop features rugged mountains.

The Future Fate of Glaciers in the Andes

Study shows: Andean glaciers will not be able to buffer a megadrought similar to the current one.

Research
14.11.2025

Analysing DNA from the environment

DNA from air, soil and water is analysed in WSL's clean laboratory. See how this method is used to identify fungi species.

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Events

26 February 2026

Multifunktionale Lösungen für Städte der Zukunft

Dieser Workshop bietet eine Plattform, um sich über die Herausforderungen und Herangehensweisen bei Planung, Gestaltung und Umsetzung von…

12 March 2026

Multifunktionale Lösungen für Städte der Zukunft - Tag2

Dieser Workshop bietet eine Plattform, um sich über die Herausforderungen und Herangehensweisen bei Planung, Gestaltung und Umsetzung von…

17 March 2026

Waldböden im Klimawandel - Runder Waldtisch

Der Waldboden speichert im Schnitt mehr Kohlenstoff als die oberirdische Biomasse – und er tut weit mehr: Er ist Lebensraum für unzählige…

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