Colleagues search for answers in avalanche forecaster's death


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BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON — Craig Patterson, an avalanche forecaster and veteran outdoorsman who died in an avalanche Thursday, worked to keep others safe.

In addition to his work for the Utah Department of Transportation, Patterson taught avalanche education classes for Utah Mountain Adventures, company president Julie Faure said. His death, she said, has left those who knew him "devastated."

"He was a very intelligent, solidly-grounded father, husband and professional," Faure said. "He was an incredible instructor. He knew his material very well. … He was committed to safety, he was committed to research. … He was a conservative person. He was not a risk taker."

Craig grew up in Switzerland and and often went skiing in France, according to his outdoor guide biography. He has explored mountain ranges around the world and before moving to Utah, he worked as an avalanche safety instructor in Alaska.

Patterson, 34, was working in the Cardiff Fork area Thursday, but didn't return home when expected, prompting his family to call UDOT around 7:30 p.m., police said. Crews located Patterson's vehicle in the Cardiff Fork area and a helicopter helped locate his body.

Patterson was already dead when he was reached by rescuers. His body was recovered by search and rescue teams overnight.

Faure said Patterson was prepared, carrying an airbag that will float above the snow and an AvaLung, a device that allows someone to breathe if caught in snow. She said he left behind a wife and a 6-year-old daughter.


By all accounts, he was a dedicated state employee who was admired and respected for his professionalism and expertise in making our canyons safer for countless Utahns.

–Gov. Gary Herbert


"It's so tragic and so unexplainable," she said. "We really don't know a lot yet about how and why."

UDOT spokesman Adan Carillo said Patterson was alone at the time of the avalanche, but said the department is investigating whether he started the day working alone or had split off from other team members. But Carillo said it is not uncommon for the forecasters to work alone, given their expertise.

He said it was Patterson's airbag that helped the helicopter locate the man. It was unclear if the avalanche beacon Patterson was carrying was working.

UDOT released a statement about Patterson's death, as did Utah Gov. Gary Herbert and those at the Utah Avalanche Center.

"No words to truly express our sorrow at the death of UDOT avalanche forecaster Craig Patterson yesterday — a friend, avalanche educator, and integral part of Utah avalanche professionals trying to unravel the mysteries of snow and avalanches, and working to keep people safe," the Utah Avalanche Center statement reads.

Staff members from the center planned to visit the accident site in an effort to create an updated report with any additional details about the cause and size of the avalanche. Patterson's team members also planned to return to the area to try to determine the cause and size of the avalanche, Carillo said.

"Craig had worked with the department since 2006 and was a veteran back country skier," UDOT said in its statement. "He was out doing the job that he loved to do, making the canyon safer for everyone to enjoy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones as we continue to gather information about this terrible tragedy."

Herbert expressed his condolences and prayers for the man's family.

"By all accounts, he was a dedicated state employee who was admired and respected for his professionalism and expertise in making our canyons safer for countless Utahns," the governor said.

Contributing: Shara Park and Jennifer Stagg

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