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Assessing a possible avalanche slope
Avalanches tend to happen on snow slopes between 25 and 45 degrees. Current books, videos and courses talk about using inclinometers to measure slope angle. But inclinometers only work well if you are actually on the slope or exactly perpendicular to the slope of concern. Using equal length ski poles to measure slope angle also requires you to actually be on the slope. To help you plan a safe route before you ever leave home, try this trick:
Use a ruler (on the baseplate of most compasses). If you find a spot on a 7 1/2 minute USGS map (1:24,000 scale) where there are two or more brown contour lines in one-sixteenth of an inch, you have found a slope that exceeds 33 degrees and warrants your attention.
This tip was taken from the article: “What’s Wrong with Traditional Avalanche Courses?” by David Spring, Copyright 1999-2003 Adventure Plus Photography
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