The WFJ_ICE_LAYERS dataset contains multi-instrument snowpack measurements at high temporal resolution, which enable to monitor the formation of deep ice layers due to preferential water flow, at the Weissfluhjoch research site, Davos, Switzerland. It covers the winter 2016/2017, with a focus on the early melting season. This dataset includes traditional snowpack profiles (weekly resolution, 15/11/2016-29/05/2017), SnowMicroPen penetration resistance profiles (daily resolution, 01/02/2017-19/04/2017), snow temperatures measured at different heights in the snowpack (half-hourly resolution, 01/03/2017-15/04/2017) and the water front height derived from an upward-looking ground penetrating radar (3-hour resolution, 04/03/2017-08/04/2017). The measurements are complemented by initialization files for SNOWPACK model simulations with the ice reservoir parameterization at Weissfluhjoch for the winter 2016/2017.