Quick report
Wind effect was apparent on approach in trees, but no clear signs on the ridge. Was too complacent when not having obvious signs of wind and no hard slab underfoot -- should have been on higher alert when going into avalanche terrain right off a ridge when primary problem of the day was wind slab. Good learning opportunity but shouldn't have been unexpected and could have dug around on the ridge more before committing to the new aspect/slope.
Avalanche
- Size
- D1
- Aspect
- E
- Trigger
- AS
- Elevation
- 5200 ft
First skier in party accidentally triggered small soft slab avalanche approximately 50' from top of ridge with first few turns. Crown depth varied between ~6-10" deep, ~20-30' wide, debris ran for ~150'. Skier was not caught or carried.