Slope orientation and slope angle result in differences in the quantity of solar radiation received by the land surface at clear skies. The differences in the energy received, in turn, impact evapotranspiration and soil plant available water. To scope the degree of differences in surface root zone moisture availability, three soil moisture and temperature sensors (TMS-4) were placed from highest to lowest elevation along a steep slope within the Lifeplan plot (mixed broadleaf - conifer montane rain forest). In addition, at the base of the slope, three Decagon EC 10 HS sensors, connected to a Decagon Em5b logger were installed in at 25, 50 and 100 cm depths to supply soil moisture data against modelled water availability values.