Snow scientists urge caution as avalanche dangers rise in Washington state Abby Acone, KOMO News Meteorologist/Reporter
Snow scientists urge caution as avalanche dangers rise in Washington state
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Search teams found the body of Steve Houle last night - hours after he and a friend were caught in a slide while snowmobiling near French Cabin Creek. The other man survived.
This comes as the death toll from avalanches is rising around the country.
This season, Andrea Hu is not taking any chances. I would prefer not to go backcountry ski myself, said Hu, who lives in Bellevue.
Resorts like the Summit at Snoqualmie do ongoing, regular avalanche control work. However, when people head out of bounds or into the backcountry hills in these conditions, experts are worried.
Remembering Washington state trooper killed in Kittitas County avalanche
The Washington State Patrol confirmed 51-year-old Trooper Steve Houle died after being overcome by an avalanche near the French Cabin Creek area in Kittitas County. Author: KING 5 Staff Updated: 5:10 PM PST February 9, 2021
KITTITAS COUNTY, Wash. Longtime Washington State Patrol Trooper Steve Houle died in an avalanche in Kittitas County on Monday.
WSP confirmed Monday night that Houle, age 51, was found dead in the French Cabin Creek area of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Houle served WSP for 28 years in Kittitas County, most recently in the Commercial Vehicle Division. He was also a husband and father, according to WSP.
CLE ELUM, Wash. (KOMO) A veteran of the Washington State Patrol was killed during an avalanche in the Cascades Monday afternoon. Trooper Steve Houle was riding snowmobiles with a friend in the French Cabin Creek area just before 1 p. m. when the avalanche occurred, according to the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office. Both men were overtaken by the snow as it hit near the Knox Creek Trailhead.