Quick report
Some minimal signs of instability were observed during final booting up the chute. Post holing became worse and the snow was visible heating up. Weather was clear and warm with no new snow. A re-freeze did occur, but only lasted until about 9:30 am until snowpack started to warm considerably. Snowpack showed wet loose instabilities with large rollerballs and slides originating from rocky faces became more common around 11am. Our party travelled cautiously and avoided high angle terrain on the descent, but staying on top of the crest too long.
Avalanche
Wet loose D1 avalanche released during first turn into chute just southeast of Ship's Prow on the Mammoth Crest area. Avalanche was triggered by human skier entering solar loaded chute for the first time. Skier was momentarily caught in slide for 10-20 feet, but self arrested and was not injured. See photos for avalanche size and runout.