Monte Bue

Slope angle

Nothing better than steeps, but steep pitches can also be dangerous. Slope angle, or incline, is one of the most significant terrain characteristics that determines whether an avalanche can occur.

Steeper than 30 degrees

Most winter sport related avalanches occur at slope angles steeper than 30 degrees. According to avalanche forecast standards and common risk management theories we categorized the dangerous slope angles into 4 classes:

• Steep slopes: steeper than 30°
• Very steep slopes: steeper than 35°
• Extremely steep slopes: steeper than 40°
• Super extremely steep slopes: steeper than 45°

The classes above are drawn onto the map. Most avalanche accidents happen on slopes between 35 and 45 degrees—exactly the type of slope that is most fun to ski.

If you want to ride safely make sure that you are riding slopes according to common avalanche risk management theories. When you use the actual avalanche forecast in combination with the slope angle maps you are able to define safer slopes already before you enter the backcountry.

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The indicated values on the map must, of course, be assumed to be approximate. They were calculated from digital terrain models. Liability claims for the representation of gradients over 30° cannot be asserted.