SLOPE
DEFINITION
Slope refers to the incline or relief of the surface of a soil area. The amount of incline
is commonly expressed in percent of slope, and reflects the amount of change of elevation over a
given horizontal distance.
SLOPE CLASSES
0-8 % _______________-level or nearly level to gently sloping or undulating
8-15 %______________- sloping or rolling
15-35%_____________ - moderately steep to steep
Greater than 35 %_____- very steep
IMPLICATIONS
There are generally fewer and less costly expenses and difficulties associated with the 0-8%
level, but if the slope is less than 3%, drainage, flood and various other problems may be
encountered, depending on the particular soil characteristics and settling.
In general, the optimum conditions for construction and development is up to 15 % slope. A
steeper slope will make construction costs more difficult, grading and material handling could be
prohibitively expensive, sewer, public or private, will not operate properly, and erosion could be a
prominent problem. One of this area’s natural resources is its unmarred hillside vistas. Slopes of 1535 % have few man-centered uses. In many cases they are better left for open space and vistas.
DISTRIBUTION
In the Chemung County area the slope of 0-8 % is commonly found in areas along the flood
plains of the Chemung River, the City of Elmira, the Big Flats Valley, and parts of Horseheads,
along Catherine Creek. The major slope range for the Chemung County area is the 8- 15 % level. It
covers up to 65 % of the county and is intermixed with 15-35 % ranges; spread around the county.
There are a few areas where the range of greater than 35 % is found, mostly located along the steep
hills following the Chemung River, steep hills following Rt. 17 and Rt. 352, and more (see map).
p