Utah’s backcountry skiing and avalanche forecasting community got terrible news Thursday night when one of our own passed away. Craig Patterson, an UDOT avalanche forecaster, was killed in an avalanche in the Kessler Slabs area of Cardiff Fork, Big Cottonwood Canyon. Patterson was working in the area that day, but didn’t return home. A Life Flight helicopter located Patterson’s body after his car was found at the mouth of Cardiff Fork.
Although it appears Patterson died in an avalanche, his airbag backpack was deployed and his body was not buried.
On Friday, the Utah Avalanche Center went to the site to examine the accident. Preliminary reports state that he was working alone and ascended a skin track on a ridge that separates God’s Lawnmower and the Kessler Slabs on Kessler Peak. It seems he triggered the avalanche after leaving the ridge and stepping onto a steep, east-facing slopes. The slide was caused by a wind slab 8-inches deep and 45 feet wide that swept him over 1,300 feet over cliffs and through sparse trees. He was found with his gear in uphill mode. Read the UAC’s full report.
After news of Patterson’s death, word spread quickly among the ski community, and condolences flowed in. UDOT released a statement expressing their sorrow over their forecaster’s untimely death saying, “The UDOT family lost one of our own Thursday when veteran avalanche forecaster Craig Patterson died in a snow slide. Craig had worked with the department since 2006 and was a veteran back country skier. 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.”
Utah Governor, Gary Herbert, also released a statement after hearing the news:
“I am deeply saddened by the death of Craig Patterson in the line of duty. 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. He also was devoted father and loving husband. During this difficult time, Jeanette and I offer my sincerest condolences and heartfelt prayers on behalf of all Utahns to Craig’s wife Renea and their daughter. He will be dearly missed.”
Patterson was also a guide and level 1 avalanche instructor for Utah Outdoor Adventures. On their Facebook page, they posted the following:
“We are all in shock and disbelief at the death of Craig Patterson yesterday in the mountains. He is one of UMA’s long-time lead avalanche instructors. Tragically random. One of the greatest people, and most solid in the mountains. Every community from Avalanche, to UMA, to BD has got to be reeling today. Craig was an awesome, solid guy, loving husband, and great father. He will be terribly missed. May you all somehow find peace with Craig’s passing and be reminded of what a precious thing life is, every day.”
Patterson leaves behind a wife and 6-year-old daughter.
While the shockwave of this tragedy is felt by everyone in Utah’s backcountry community, it serves as a reminder to all of us who venture into the mountains that this accident could have happened to any of us. In the UAC’s report, written by Bruce Tremper, he closes with sobering words. “Since he appeared to die from trauma and he was on the snow surface, having a partner with him probably would not have changed the outcome of this accident. As one of the rescuers noted, “It was a small avalanche but a really bad ride.”