Arriving on the ridge above the slope we were surprised to find it stripped of snow, and which was unusual for that particular location based on multiple visits every year. What was interesting is that we could not see clear signs as to which side of the ridge the snow was deposited on. No cornices, etc. One skier made a ski cut across the slope we considered skiing and then skied around/through some trees and upon returning to the slope in question, saw what appeared to be slough but quickly it was apparent he had set off a sizable avalanche, perhaps remotely, at some point. Two skiers remained above and saw and heard the avalanche start after skier 1 had moved through the trees out of sight. We were able to verbally confirm that no skiers were caught or carried. Crown was 2-2.5 ft and broke almost to the ground.