How to Calculate Terrain Slope

Backcountry skiers need to exercise extreme caution to avoid avalanches. Many factors such as snowfall amounts, slope angle, wind direction and terrain dictate the possibility of unstable snow conditions. An experienced skier knows how to calculate the risk of an avalanche on a given aspect. However, avalanches occur only on slopes between 24 to 48 degrees. Knowing this, you can avoid danger by using an inclinometer and avoiding travel in terrain that falls into the critical zone.

Things You'll Need

  • Ski partner
  • Ski pole
  • Inclinometer
Show More

Instructions

  1. Sight Method

    • 1

      Stand at the top of a slope that looks appealing to ski. Shimmy as close to the edge as possible, without putting yourself in the danger zone.

    • 2

      Hold your ski pole like a rifle, and sight the tip to the bottom of the slope.

    • 3

      Place your inclinometer on your ski pole, and have your partner read the measurement.

    • 4

      Decide if the slope is out of the critical range.

    Surface Method

    • 5

      Begin your assent of a desired slope, taking care to avoid travel in the avalanche path.

    • 6

      Stop and place your ski pole on the surface of the slope about mid-way up. If possible, stand to the side in a wooded section.

    • 7

      Lay your inclinometer on the ski pole. Read the measurement.

    • 8

      Determine the slope's safety, and continue on your journey.