Term
Aspect
The compass direction a slope faces.
GLOSSARY · Terrain, snow & environment
Aspect tells you which way a slope faces — north, south-east and so on. It strongly affects snow: sunny aspects soften and refreeze, shaded aspects stay colder and keep powder longer, and wind-loaded aspects can build slabs.
Context and distinction
Aspect is direction; gradient is steepness. Both are used together to describe a slope and its likely snow conditions.
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Definition-first entry
This entry currently provides a verified identification and connected routes. Detailed instruction has not been fabricated.