No, I was thankfully not involved in this incident Link and BC_skier. (Thanks for the calls of concern Don). I was however in the general vicinity of the accident on Sunday. I was cautiously skiing on the skiers left arm of Gunbarrel chute. There was notable slab activity and wind effected snow on some aspects but a hasty pit showed good stability on the slopes I chose to ski. That being said I was out of there by 2:30 because of solar radiation concerns.
During lunch I watched a couple solo skiers descend Speed Control, which looked wind affected from my vantage point. One solo skier skied a line above a slab that had released the day before. He looked a little spooked once he got to the slab. I assume he booted up from the Silver Basin. From what I could see he was carrying no pack, no shovel, and who knows if he was carrying an avalanche transceiver. This is an all too familiar senario amongst Crystal Mountain area skiers venturing into the backcountry.
With all the storms lately coming in with high E-SE winds, significant hoar frost, and warm daytime temps it is an unusually sensitive March snowpack for sure. Be careful out there, bring the right tools with you (especially the grey matter), and take the time to evaluate the hazards before jumping in!
All the gear and knowledge you mention is great but you forgot the most important thing. SKI with a partner you trust and not solo! Were you skiing solo??? If so your words of wisdom should be taken with a dash of salt! If you where with a partner then it's good advise.
