CLE ELUM, Wash. — A State Patrol trooper died in an avalanche while snowmobiling near Cle Elum Lake Monday.
Steve Houle was snowmobiling with a friend when both were caught up in the avalanche around 12:40 p.m.
The friend dug himself out and called for help.
Rescue teams recovered the 51-year-old trooper’s body at about 7 p.m.
Trooper Houle was a 28-year veteran of the Washington State Patrol.
He leaves behind his wife and three children.