Quick report
Started a tour at 7 am from the base of Ball. 22 degrees F with a light 5-15 mph SSW wind. Visibility was good but an approaching cloud field was visible to the SW. With the large avalanche area across the bowl we decided to tour up the SE ridge of the Broken Top bowl with intentions of riding Ala Mode. Snow conditions on the skin up appeared to be firm consolidated snow from the previous several days snowfall. No signs of instability, cracking or settling even in wind loaded areas of the SE ridge. Further towards the peak of the ridge snow was still consolidated but with a firm but not solid ice layer present 6"-1' down. Even in thinner areas snow was still unreactive to probing and skinning. We approached the couloir with caution and stuck to the rocks on the right side of the couloir while booting up to the peak. Any signs of weak layers or instability our tour plan was for us to return to the SE skin track and ride down. Satisfied with the stability of the snow and deteriorating visibility we rode the line in firm but consistent snow.
Avalanche
Observed an over 300m crown across the face below Pucker Up. Crown appeared to be at least 12" thick or larger and was a continuous line across the face roughly 3/4- 7/8's of the way up the face from the bottom of the bowl. Slide debris field looked to be at least D1 or larger but was partially obscured by new snow. A corresponding debris field was scattered at the base of the face. Avalanche appeared to have happened naturally one to two days prior. Was unable to take photos from the rapidly deteriorating visibility from clouds. No avalanche activity was present inside of the bowl or on the adjacent face across the bowl towards the Tower.