My project is somewhat similar to Lidia's (a garage in the side of a hill), except that my slope is steeper and the garage won't be buried. The attached drawing from my architect has added a couple of details for this discussion. The garage site itself is at letter D, the line C-D-E defines the edge of an old logging road, and the high point of the slope is at letter E, which is about 15 feet higher than point C. The house is at about the same altitude as C. The distance from C to E is about 200 feet. The big triangle outlines a completely wooded area, much of which will be cleared.