Clinopoles
More than
an inclinometer
Inclinometry - measuring inclination
In backcountry skiing/snowboarding, measuring the slope angle is a part of avalanche avoidance routine. For this, slope angle is measured in the fall line; the steepest aspect of the slope.
It is safest to ski slopes which you have evaluated while climbing them up.
Line-of-sight inclinometry: measuring the slope from a distance, sighting the slope from the side, perpendicular to the fall line, or in the fall line from the top down or from the bottom up. Excellent for measuring the overall slope angle before entering the terrain.
Pros: You can plan your route well ahead. You need not be on the slope to get its angle, so can avoid possible risk of triggering an avalanche.
Cons: You need the line of sight. Poor visibility or trees etc. may hide the slope surface. Undulation of the slope may hide steeper sections behind convexities. The direction of the fall line may be difficult to discern.
Contact inclinometry: measuring the slope angle on the spot, when you are on the slope.
Pros: It is possible to identify even small features which may constitute avalanche trigger points, which may not be visible from a distance. Measurements are precise.
Cons: To measure the angle you may already be on a potentially risky slope.
Apply both methods without hassle and delay: With a pair of Clinopoles each measurement will take only a couple of seconds.
Clinopoles
Vertical pole Horizontal pole
PoleClinometer®:
Line-of-sight inclinometry
sticker
Contact inclinometry reference line: where vertical pole is
positioned (same height as 45 degrees mark on vertical pole).
Level vial
Contact inclinometry
degree scale and
risk indicators for
avalanche danger 2-4
USE OF THE CLINOPOLE
CLINOPOLES AS YOUR COMPANION
Avalanche course is of paramount importance to help you keep safe.
Do inclinometry often. Both methods take only a couple of seconds, and will hardly interrupt your stride.
Before setting off, read the avalanche bulletin thoroughly, paying special attention on the day’s avalanche problems, understanding what to look for. Transceiver, probe and shovel are a must for everyone in your group.
If you intend to go to the zone of increasing risk for the day’s avalanche danger, you must be able to identify and avoid potential triggering points, avalanche paths and terrain traps. It is also mandatory that you have a good idea of the snowpack. If you are not sure, just turn around and enjoy the ride.
Here are some things to do and to look for in avalanche terrain, just for a reminder:
-SPACE OUT! Keep a distance of 20-50 m from each other.
-SPOT trigger areas, avalanche paths, terrain traps as well as safe spots
-LOOK, LISTEN to and FEEL the snowpack
-ANTICIPATE weather changes
-BEWARE and look for the day’s specific avalanche problems pointed out in the bulletin
-RECOGNIZE the energy level and mood of your group, their physical ability and skill levels, discuss any issues which may arise
Consider these topics:
Terrain: Find out the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) classification of your terrain. Pay attention to the features that distinguish the different classes. Look for these features while out: Can you identify them on the slope, do you agree with the given classification?
Snowpack: Know the history of the snowpack, and identify possible hidden weak layers. On slope, look for evidence of the snowpack features you are expecting from the avy bulletin, and the specific weak areas that this terrain-snowpack combination might produce. Do you agree with the avalanche bulletin specifically at this slope? Why / why not?
Weather: What has the weather been like for the last week: wind, precipitation, temperature? What is the forecast? During the day, how will the weather affect the snow? Will the visibility be good enough for the day?
Human factors: Group size, experience, ability, nutrition, communication, equipment.
Of course it is impossible to master each of these areas from the beginning. So I suggest that before setting out, you determine, which of these topics and which items might be the most likely to cause concern. Then concentrate on that during this trek- providing you and your group are completely happy with everything else!
Next trip, concentrate on some other item, and go through each of them on subsequent treks.
Remember:
Avalanches do happen also spontaneously, by remote triggering, or they may be triggered by somebody above you, and reach your ”safe slope”. Obviously, using Clinopoles will not keep you safe from these incidents.
