How To Use Your Poles To Check Slope Angle

Avalanches tend to occur on slopes in excess of 30°.

There’s still plenty of stoke to be had in less steep terrain, so a great way to manage avalanche risk is to keep off slopes that exceed this angle.

If you’re not yet packing an inclinometer  – or if you just want to do a quick and dirty assessment – here’s a simple way to figure out if a slope is under or over 30 degrees using just your poles* and some basic geometry:

1. Make sure your poles are the same length – this is especially important if you’re riding with telescopics.
2. On the slope you want to measure, make a trace or imprint in the snow with one of your poles.
3. Place a pole in the snow at each end of your trace.
4. Now bring the handles together to form an equilateral triangle.

If the downhill pole is vertical: The slope angle is 30 degrees

If the downhill pole leans into the slope: The slope angle is less than 30 degrees

If the downhill pole leans away from the slope: The slope angle is over 30 degrees

For a more accurate measurement you’re still going to need an inclinometer but the pole method is great for obtaining a reference angle and making a calculated decision about whether or not to drop into avalanche terrain.

*Not all boarders carry poles in the backcountry but this is another good reason why you might consider making the investment.