Avalanche was triggered by second skier skiing traversing along tracks of first skier after the first skier's descent. No turn had been initiated for the "run" when the snow came down from the rocks above. It was composed of the most recent snowfall. Approximately 30 feet further down the face, a step down to near ground level occurred (approximately 2.5 feet in depth). The skier was temporarily buried while being carried, however, managed to come to the surface by the time the snow's propagation halted.

Alta Ski Area was not open yet for the season.