## Expressing slope

Slope gradients are are common form of expression for steeply sloped areas like the sides of swales. Expressed as Y:X where Y is a single unit of rise and X is the corresponding run. It can be calculated by dividing the rise by the run: e.g.$\frac{rise}{run}=\frac{4\ m}{12\ m}=\frac{1}{3};we\ say\ the\ slope\ =1:3\ or\ 1\ in\ 3$

### Slope percentage

Slope percentage is calculated similarly by dividing rise by run, but then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage: e.g.$slope=\left (\frac{rise}{run}\right )\times 100=\left(\frac{4\ m}{12\ m}\right)\times 100= 33\%$ But for many calculations the rise/run isn't multiplied by 100, and instead is left as a decimal. e.g. 0.33 in the example above.

### Slope in degrees

Expressing a slope in degrees requires using the tangent trigonometric function. e.g.$\tan \theta =\left ( \frac{4\ m}{12\ m} \right ); \theta =\tan^{-1}\left ( 0.33 \right )=18.3^{\circ}$

## Normal range of slopes

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act[1] provides a bare minimum to which public spaces must be designed. Consider designing landscapes to universal design principals instead[2][3].

Use Extreme range (%) Desirable range (%)
Public Streets 0.5 - 10 1 - 8
Private streets 0.5 - 20 1 - 12
Service lanes 0.5 - 15 1 - 10
Parking areas 0.5 - 8 1 - 5
Parking ramps up to 20 up to 15
Collector walks 0.5 - 12 1 - 8
Entrance walks 0.5 - 8 1 - 4
Pedestrian ramps up to 12 up to 8
Stairs 25 - 50 33 - 50
Game courts 0.5 - 2 0.5 - 1.5
Paved gutters 0.25 - 100 1 - 50
Grassed swales 0.5 - 15 2 - 10
Terraces and sitting areas 0.5 - 3 1 - 2
Grassed banks up to 50 up to 33
Planted banks up to 100 up to 50

## Freeboard

• In swales convey flowing water a freeboard of 300 mm is generally accepted as a good starting point.
• In bioretention the freeboard is being defined as the depth between the invert of the overflow and the the inlet 150 mm would suffice, so long as the inlet will not become inundated during design storm conditions.
• In above grade stormwater planters above grade, the equivalent dimension would be the depth between the invert of the overflow and the lip of the planter (150 mm minimum)
• Where the stormwater planterA vegetated practice that collects and treats stormwater through sedimentation and filtration. Contributions to water cycle/water balance are through evapotranspiration only; no infiltration. is configured more like a lined/non-infiltrating bioretentionA shallow excavated surface depression containing prepared filter media, mulch, and planted with selected vegetation. system, the inlet will be the depth to which this is measured, as above (150 mm minimum).