As I approached the top of the ridgeline I felt the snow stiffen (ever so slightly). Within a step of feeling this, the slope collapsed and the fracture propagated about 10m, wrapping around 30-40 degrees of aspect, initiating an avalanche. Before I approached the top I spent some time looking for evidence of any other parties in the area. I also spoke with a group earlier that was exiting the field who reported that they were the only party left on the ridge to their knowledge.