slope-angles-survey Backcountry Slope Angles Survey How do you use inclination in the mountains? Take a few minutes to complete this survey; get 20%-off a PoleClinometer slope meter for your time! Which best describes you? backcountry pro (avy forecaster/instructor, guide, pro freeskier, etc) avid/frequent backcountry skier/snowboarder/snowmobiler/etc occasional backcountry skier/snowboarder/snowmobiler/etc resort skier/snowboarder/etc other (please describe) None What's the highest level of avalanche training you've received? none less than Level 1 (online, evening sessions, etc) Rec Level 1 Rec Level 2 or higher recreational track Pro Level 1 Pro Level 2 or higher professional track None How recent was your last avalanche training or refresher? less than 1 year ago 1-2 years ago 3-5 years ago more than 5 years ago I've had no avalanche training None Do you measure slope angles in the mountains? yes, frequently yes, occasionally yes, but rarely no; I don't ski/ride/travel in uncontrolled avalanche terrain no; I do ski/ride/travel in uncontrolled avalanche terrain, but I don't measure slope angles I haven't really, but I might give it a try None What device(s) or method(s) do you use to measure slope angles?[check all that apply] phone app (eg. Avalanche Inclinometer) pocket inclinometer device (eg. BCA Slope Meter) inclinometer-equipped compass (eg. Suunto MC-2) "forestry type" inclinometer (eg. Suunto PM-5) ski pole inclinometer device (eg. Pieps 30°plus) ski pole inclinometer sticker (PoleClinometer) ski pole triangle trick (DIY, various methods) "eyeballing" slope angles (what's your estimated accuracy? have you verified using devices? describe below) topo map + ruler, or dedicated topo gradient tool maps/guidebooks with explicit inclination indicators (eg. Beacon Guidebooks) other (please describe) Which "use-mode(s)" do you employ for directly measuring slope angles?[check all that apply] cross-slope line-of-sight (sighting from the side) up/down-slope line-of-sight (sighting from the top or bottom) contact measurement (measure the slope right at your feet) other? (please describe if we've missed a use-mode) What value do you place on knowledge of slope angle when traveling in avalanche terrain? a lot some not much none I hadn't really considered it, but might in the future I don't travel in avalanche terrain None Do you also take inclination readings for avalanche "alpha angle" or "runout angle" measurements? yes, frequently yes, occasionally yes, but rarely no; I understand avalanche alpha angle concepts, but I don't really employ them what's alpha angle? I don't travel in avalanche terrain None What value do you place on knowledge of avalanche "alpha angle" or "runout angle" when traveling in avalanche terrain? a lot some not much none I hadn't really considered it, but might in the future what's alpha angle again? I don't travel in avalanche terrain None Any interest in learning more about using inclination as an avalanche safety tool, or participating in a controlled study to test inclinometer accuracy? very interested somewhat interested not so interested not at all interested None In what format(s) would you be interested in learning more or participating?[check all that apply] in-person learning/training written article online video in-person controlled study remotely organized controlled study other (please specify) Any additional comments? OPTIONAL: Enter your contact info to receive the monthly PoleClinometer newsletter. We'll pass along updates about new inclination and avalanche safety products/events/news/etc. Time's up