Due north aspect, slide was triggered @ ~9600 ft, in an open glade, pulled out the snow a good 150 ft. above that point. Crown lines and flanks followed trees/convexities. We suspect buried surface hoar/ near surface facets. Mostly soft slab. A picture of the crown which appears to be in the 12"-18" range.

Looking up at the crown. The skiers did not notice any issues w/surface hoar layer in the more dense trees (their prior two runs).

Skier was nearing the bottom of the slope (open glades at this point), and much lower angled than above. All the sudden the snow buckled at his feet. Yelled 'avalanche' to partner and saw a brief glimpse of him below in more dense and very low angled trees.

A first hand account- "A second later the snow from above my stauchwall sighting was pushing me right down the fall line as usual, but there were trees in front of me so I tried to aim my skis just to the right of the trees in front of me. I was eventually off balance and fell on my right side, hoping I would not clip the trees. I didn't--this was good, so my next goal was to try and tuck my skis under/in front of me. I knew there were more trees in front of me, but by this point I was going under. Snow started to slow and my head was under the moving snow. I pulled my left hand up in front of my face, just as the slide stopped. I could not breathe. I clawed w/ my left hand towards the surface, and even though I still was aspirating snow, once my hand reached the surface I told myself I would survive.

Picture is where the skier was buried.