Man killed in Kittitas County avalanche identified as Washington State trooper

EASTON, Wash. - Authorities have recovered the body of a missing snowmobiler after an avalanche in the French Cabin Creek area in Kittitas County.

According to the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office, Search and Rescue crews were called Monday afternoon to the Knox Creek Trailhead.

Two men were on snowmobiles when an avalanche hit around 11 a.m. They were on a ridge near Lake Cle Elum. 

Washington State Trooper Steve Houle (left) receives a service award from Chief Batiste (right).

One man was able to dig himself out, but he was not able to find his companion. He got back on his snowmobile to notify authorities.

About 20 people were in the field looking for the man, as well as avalanche dogs. Search and rescue crews also used thermal imaging from the air to help find him.

Around 7 p.m., an avalanche dog led rescue crews to the body. Steve Houle's body was found buried in the snow. Kittitas County Sheriff Clay Myers said Houle was a 28-year veteran with Washington State Patrol.

Myers said he knew Houle personally. 

"On behalf of the Sheriff’s Office, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Trooper Houle’s family, friends and the Washington State Patrol," Myers said.  "This is a tragic accident and will be felt hard in our close-knit law enforcement community."

"Steve was a great person and an excellent employee, loved and respected by us all.  We hold his memory and his family close to our hearts in this painfully sad time," said WSP 

Myers said avalanches in that area are not very common. 

Deputies said avalanche danger was very high for the last few weeks across the Western United States.

RELATED: What to do if you're caught in an avalanche

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