The snow conditions were marked by a hard slab, with the wind gradually intensifying, making snow transport more significant as the day progressed. A snow pit at 8,000 feet on a northwest aspect revealed an ECTX result on the persistent layer, meaning no fracture or propagation was observed during the compression test, even at 30 taps. The weather remained overcast all day, with warmer temperatures in the lower elevations. Wind gusts were moderate to strong, contributing to the ongoing snow transport. By the end of the day, temperatures had risen further, with no new snowfall. The presence of cracking under our skis on the ridge line signaled instability in the snowpack.

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The avalanche occurred at 7,400 feet on a northeast-facing slope that had been heavily loaded by increasing winds throughout the day. the crown broke six inches to a foot deep on an interface of the wind load on the old snow.