Remember that the graph represents AVERAGE slope. Some sections of the stream or
road may be steeper, while other sections are less steep.
Flat as Farmland? Lake Avenue in downtown Duluth, with a slope of 11.9% or 6.8°, is a pretty
steep street - REALLY!
The lines on the graph above look pretty flat, but consider the following:
• The maximum street slope allowed by the MN Department of
Transportation for new road construction is 12% or 6.8° (and only 3% or
1.7° on freeways)
• Sand dunes (that can be very difficult to climb!) have maximum
slopes of 68% or 34°.
