outstanding professionals
Awards
AWARD
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
This is the highest award bestowed by the American Avalanche Association. It is given annually or less frequently, to a person who has distinguished themselves by special achievement in the field of snow avalanches.
The purpose of this award is to bring honor to the awardees, to provide inspiration to the membership, and to emphasize the programs to which the Association is dedicated. The number of awards will be restricted so as not to include more than 20 living individuals at any one time. A3 membership not required.
Recipients
2018 - Ed Adams
2016 - Ian McCammon
2016 - Dave Hamre
2014 - Ron Perla
2012 - Jill Fredston
2010 - Mark B. Moore
2009 - Dan Judd
2009 - Daniel "Howie" Howlett
2008 - Don Bachman
2008 - Knox Williams
2007 - Art Judson
2006 - Rod Newcomb
2004 - Doug Fesler
2002 - Sam Colbeck
2002 - Bob Brown
2000 - Sue Ferguson (Deceased)
1997 - Peter Schaerer
1996 - John Montagne (Deceased)
1993 - Dick Reuter
1992 - Dale Gallagher (Deceased)
1991 - Norm Wilson (Deceased)
1990 - Ed LaChapelle (Deceased)
1989 - Monty Atwater (Posthumously)
1987 - John Herbert (Posthumously)
1987 - Pete Martinelli
Professional Practice
BERNIE KINGERY AWARD
Recognizes sustained career contributions by dedicated avalanche field professionals. Candidates are primarily engaged in avalanche forecasting, mitigation, research or education and safety.
This award is in honor of John Bernier Kingery's long career of ski patrol and snow safety work. Kingery became the Mountain Manager of Alpine Meadows Ski Area and was killed there in 1982 in the most deadly avalanche in North American ski area history. This award is for A3 Professional Members.
Recipients
2023 - Janet Kellam
2023 - Doug Chabot
2020 - Bill Williamson
2016 - Doug Richmond
2016 - Kelly Elder
2016 - Ethan Greene
2013 - Craig "Sterbie" Sterbenz
2012 - Gary Murphy
2011 - Leif Eric Boregson
2011 - Tom Murphy
2010 - Russell "Rusty" Johnson
2010 - David W. Lovejoy
2008 - Karl Birkeland
2007 - Randy Elliott
2006 - Bruce Tremper
2004 - Tom Kimbrough
2002 - Don Bachman
2000 - Liam Fitzgerald
1998 - Jim Hackett (Posthumously)
1997 - Binx Sandahl (Deceased)
1996 - Larry Heywood
1995 - Rod Newcomb
1993 - Bernie Kingery (Posthumously)
AWARD
HONORARY FELLOWSHIP
The honorees are recognized by their peers in the AAA for significant contribution to avalanche-related programs in countries other than the United States and, in general, for communicating their work to those in the U.S. so that those contributions may be shared for common benefit. A3 membership not required.
Recipients
2020 - Krister Kristensen
2016 - Alec van Herwijnen
2014 - Bruce Jamieson
2008 - Christine Pielmeier
2007 - Juerg Schweizer
2006 - Paul Foehn
2004 - Horst Schaffhauser
2002 - Kayou Fukuyama
2000 - Karstein Lied (Deceased)
1996 - Paval A. Chernouss
1995 - Tsutomu "Tom" Nakamura
1994 - David McClung
1992 - Hansueli Gubler
1991 - Andre Roch (Deceased)
1990 - Peter Schaerer,
1990 - Ron Perla
1990 - Hans Frutiger
1990 - Walter Good
1990 - Geoff Freer
AWARD
SPECIAL SERVICE
Recognizes specific and outstanding achievement in the service of North American snow avalanche activity. Generally the Governing Board will initiate the nomination and approval process. A3 membership not required.
Recipients
2024 - John Reller
2022 - Art Mears
2021 - Rich Marriot
2010 - Billy Barr
2008 - Chris Landry
2008 - Jerry Nunn (Deceased)
2007 - Pete Peters
2006 - Don Sharaf
2006 - John Simms
2004 - Ethan Greene
2002 - Steve Conver
2000 - Alan Dennis
1998 - Bruce Jamieson
1996 - Liam Fitzgerald
1995 - Betsy Armstrong
1994 - Robin Faisant
1994 - Bruce Tremper
1993 - Knox Williams
1993 - Stan Bones
1991 - Sue Ferguson (Deceased)
1990 - John Montagne (Deceased)
1990 - Bruce Tremper
1990 - Larry Heywood
1990 - Greg Mace (Posthumously)
1990 - Chris Stethem
AWARD
Sue Ferguson Award
The Sue Ferguson Award recognizes individual(s) for their contribution in media communications about snow and avalanche sciences to the public and the American avalanche community. The awardee does not have to be a member of the AAA to receive this award. Generally, the Governing Board will initiate the nomination, but nominations maybe submitted by A3 members in good standing.
With respect we honor the following
Memorials
Recipients
2023 - Steven Siig & Jared Drake, Buried: The 1982 Alpine Meadows Avalanche
2023 - Caleb Merrill, The Avalanche Hour Podcast
2020 - John Branch
April 18, 2024
Rob Coppolillo
Ski Guide
BC, Canada
Glacier Crevasse Fall
April 3, 2024
Adam George
Heliski Guide
Verbier, Switzerland
Helicopter Crash
March 7, 2024
Matt Primomo
Forecaster
Leavenworth, WA
Climbing Accident
March 6, 2024
Nick Burks
Forecaster & Ski Patrol
Wallowa, OR
Avalanche Accident
February 23, 2024
Steve Zuckerman
Search & Rescue
Eagle County, CO
Medical Emergency
January 02, 2023
Christian Helger
Ski Patroller
Park City, UT
Lift Accident
January 27, 2023
Dr. Clinton Culp
Avalanche Educator
Lake Tahoe Community College/AIARE
Medical Emergency
April 25, 2022
Michael Hamilton
Heliski Guide
Valdez Heli-Ski Guides
Avalanche Accident
August 23, 2021
Todd James Greenfield
Ski Patrol
Snowbird Ski Resort Snow Safety Director
Suicide
March 27, 2021
Sean McManamy
Heliski Guide
Knik Glacier, Chugach Mountains, Alaska
Helicopter crash
March 27, 2021
Gregory Harms
Heliski Guide
Knik Glacier, Chugach Mountains, Alaska
Helicopter crash
March 22, 2021
Gary Allen Smith
Former Vail Ski Patroller
Lime Creek, South of Edwards, CO
Avalanche accident
December 18, 2020
Jeff “Schnoid” Schneider
Former Crested Butte Ski Patroller
Near Ohio Pass, CO
Avalanche accident
April 1, 2020
Trace Jordan Carrillo
Former Utah Avalanche Center Intern and Educator
Northwest of Teton Pass on Taylor Mountain, WY
Avalanche accident
March 7, 2019
Hans Berg
Jones Pass, CO
Mechanized Ski Guide
Avalanche Accident
April 8, 2018
John Galvin
Aspen Mountain Rescue Member
Maroon Bowl, West of Aspen Highlands, CO
Avalanche accident
January 24, 2017
Joe Zuiches
Squaw Valley, CA
Ski Patroler
Explosive Accident
March 22, 2016
Rick “Oz” Oswald
Snowcat ski guide
Mt Bailey, OR
Avalanche Accident
March 8, 2016
Kip Rand
Avalanche Forecaster
Mt. Joseph, OR
Cornice Failure
January 19, 2016
Darren Johnson
Ski Patroller
Yellowstone Club, MT
Avalanche Accident
April 1, 2015
Peter “Pi” Inglis
Backcountry Ski Guide
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park and Preserve, AK
Avalanche Accident/Cornice Failure
May 29 (likely), 2014
Matthew Hegeman
Climbing Guide
Mount Rainier, WA
Icefall Avalanche Accident
May 29 (likely), 2014
Eitan Green
Climbing Guide
Mount Rainier, WA
Icefall Avalanche Accident
March 15, 2014
Aaron Karitis
Heliski Guide
Haines, AK
Avalanche Accident
March 4, 2014
Colin Sutton
Wolf Creek Ski Patroller/Heliski Guide
East San Juan Mountains, CO
Avalanche Accident
February 14, 2014
Jake Merrill
Ski Guide
Wallowa Mountains, OR
Avalanche Accident
April 20, 2013
Rick Gaukel
Snowboard Guide
Loveland Pass, CO
Avalanche Accident
April 11, 2013
Craig Patterson
UDOT Forecaster
Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT
Avalanche Accident
March 3, 2013
Christian Cabanilla
Heliski Guide
Haines, AK
Cornice Collapse
December 30, 2012
Patricia “Patsy” Hileman
Ski Patroller
Snowmass Ski Area, CO
Avalanche Accident
December 24, 2012
Bill Foster
Ski Patroller
Alpine Meadows Ski Area, CA
Avalanche Accident
March 13, 2012
Rob Liberman
Alaska Heliskiing guide
Avalanche accident
November 22, 2010
Scott Kay
Ski Patroller
Wolf Creek Ski Area
Avalanche Accident
January 9, 2010
Mark “Big Wally” Wolling
Ski Patroller
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, WY
Avalanche Accident
March 3, 2009
Andrew “Drew” James Entin
Ski Patroller
Squaw Valley, CA
Avalanche Accident
March 8, 2008
Mike O’Leary
Avalanche Forecaster
Cordova, AK
Avalanche Accident
February 1, 2006
Johanna Carlsson
Ski Patroller
Mammoth Ski Area
Avalanche Accident
January 22, 2004
Jeffery Nissman
Avalanche Forecaster
Portage, AK
Avalanche Accident
January 31, 2002
Brian Roust
Ski Patroller
Canyons Ski Resort, UT
Avalanche Accident
February 1, 2000
Kerry Brookman
Alaska Railroad Heavy Equipment Operator
Avalanche Accident
December 25, 1996
Erika E. Pankow
Ski Patroller
Big Sky, MT
Explosives Accident
February 10, 1996
Jim Otteson
Helicopter Ski Guide
Paradise Peak, ID
Avalanche Accident
February 2, 1996
Jeff Brewer
Ski Patroller
Solitude Ski Area
Avalanche Accident
June 14, 1995
Bruce Hance
NPS Highway Technician
Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park, CA
Avalanche Accident
December 17, 1994
Steve Burchett
Ski Patroller
Mission Ridge, WA
Avalanche Accident
November 23, 1994
Roger Evans
USFS Snow Ranger
Alpine Meadows, CA
Gunnery Accident
April 8, 1993
Robert Duval III
Ski Patrol
Crested Butte, CO
Avalanche Accident
April 1, 1993
Jay Gauthier
Heliski Guide
Breckenridge, CO
Helicopter Crash
July 17, 1992
Gordon Burlingame
Avalanche Control Supervisor
WSDOT North Central Region
Servicing a weather tower, tower collapse
March 5, 1992
Eddie Imel
CDOT Highway Technician
Red Mountain Pass, CO
Avalanche Accident
February 12, 1992
Mark Yates
Avalanche Forecaster
La Sal Mountains, UT
Avalanche Accident
February 19, 1989
Jefferson Wong
Ski Patroller
Mount Hood Meadows, WA
Avalanche Accident
August 3, 1986
Ian Kraabel
Climbing Guide
Mt. Baker, WA
Avalanche Accident
February 17, 1986
Tommy Raymer
Ski Patroller
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, WY
Avalanche Accident
February 4, 1986
Kim Momb
Helicopter Ski Guide
Selkirk Mountains, Canada
Avalanche Accident
December 2, 1985
Paul Driscoll
Ski Patroller
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, WY
Avalanche Accident
March 31, 1984
Tom Snyder
Ski Patroller
Highlands ski Area, CO
Avalanche Accident
March 31, 1984
Craig Soddy
Ski Patroller
Highlands Ski Area, CO
Avalanche Accident
March 31, 1984
Chris Kessler
Ski Patroller
Highlands Ski Area, CO
Avalanche Accident
December 18, 1983
Mickey Johnston
Ski Patroller
Copper Mountain Ski Area, CO
Avalanche Accident
December 24, 1982
David Stutzman
Ski Patroller
Big Sky, MT
Avalanche Accident
December 22, 1982
Steven Forsythe
Highway Technician
Helms Creek, CA
Gunnery Accident
December 22, 1982
Charles Marvin
Highway Technician
Helms Creek, CA
Gunnery Accident
December 22, 1982
Douglas Wiens
Avalauncher Gunner
Helms Creek, CA
Gunnery Accident
December 22, 1982
Gary Pheister
Avalauncher Gunner
Helms Creek, CA
Gunnery Accident
March 31, 1982
Jeffery “Jake” Smith
Trail Crew Member
Alpine Meadows, CA
Avalanche Accident
March 31, 1982
Bernie Kingery
Ski Patroller/Mountain Manager
Alpine Meadows, CA
Avalanche Accident
January 25, 1982
Albert Dow
Search & Rescue Team Member
Mt. Washington, NH
Avalanche Accident
March 31, 1981
Roberto Gasperl
Ski Patroller
Snowmass Ski Area, CO
Avalanche Accident
March 4, 1979
William F. “Willi” Unsoeld
Climbing Guide
Rainier National Park, WA
Avalanche Accident
February 10, 1978
George Morris
County Road Operator
Twin Lakes, CA
Avalanche Accident
February 10, 1978
Terry Kishbaugh
CDOT Highway Technician
Red Mountain Pass, CO
Avalanche Accident
February 9, 1978
Tyler Hammond
Highway Technician
Helms Creek, CA
Avalanche Accident
November 23, 1974
Peter Horridge
Ski Patroller
Arapahoe Basin, CO
Avalanche Accident
February 7, 1974
Duane Gifford
Highway Technician
Thane Highway, AK
Avalanche accident
December 13, 1973
Marvin R. Critton
Ski Patroller
Mammoth Mountain, CA
Explosives Accident
March 16, 1971
Tom Simpson
Snowcat Ski Guide
Aspen Mountain, CO
Avalanche Accident
March 2, 1970
Robert F. Miller
CDOT Highway Technician
Red Mountain Pass, CO
Avalanche Accident
October 21, 1968
Everett J. Burch
Avalauncher crew member
Pandora Unit of Idarado Mining, CO
In bore launcher round predetonated accident
November 26, 1967
Earl Gentry
Ski Patroller
Arapahoe Basin, CO
Avalanche Accident
February 18, 1967
John Johnson
Ski Patroller
Skyline Ski Area, ID
Avalanche Accident
February 18, 1967
Carolyn Laffoon
Ski Patroller
Skyline Ski Area, ID
Avalanche Accident
March 16, 1966
Ole Olefson
USFS Snow Ranger
Crystal Mountain, WA
Gunnery Accident
March 29, 1964
Lawrence H. Allen
USFS Snow Ranger
Snow Basin, UT
Avalanche Accident
March 12, 1964
Richard Pittman
Ski Patroller
Snow King, WY
Avalanche Accident
March 9, 1958
Tony Deane
Ski Patroller
Snow Basin, UT
Avalanche Accident
Feb 14, 1958
Walt Smith
Rescuer
Colorado State Highway 361
Avalanche Accident
Feb 14, 1958
Mike Muransky
Rescuer
Colorado State Highway 361
Avalanche Accident
Feb 14, 1958
Danny Jerrell
Highway worker & rescuer
Colorado State Highway 361
Avalanche Accident
April 8, 1957
Wayne Whitlock
CDOT Highway Technician
Berthoud Pass CO
Avalanche Accident
May 26, 1953
William Whitsord
Highway Technician
Glacier National Park, MT
Avalanche Accident
May 26, 1953
George Beaton
Highway Technician
Glacier National Park, MT
Avalanche Accident
February 4, 1952
Ray Wittig
WSDOT North Central Region Lead Technician
Tumwater Canyon, WA
Avalanche Accident
March 31, 1944
Adam Fraiser
CDOT Highway Technician
Loveland Pass, CO
Avalanche Accident
The American Avalanche Association would like to thank the following individuals for their help and assistance with this memorial list:Doug Abromeit, Dale Atkins, Don Bachman, Mindy Barnett, Leif Eric Borgeson, John Brennan, Peter Carvelli, Bob Comey, Steve Conger, Roland Emetaz, James “Magnum” Frisque, Bill Glude, Ethan Greene, Rick Grubin, Susan Hale, Paul Horton, Rob Hunker, Karen Izbicki, Janet Kellam, Spencer Logan, Wade McKoy, Mark Mueller, Gary Murphy, Ray Mumford, Ian McCammon, Rod Newcomb, Joney Otteson, Patrick O’Sullivan, Blasé Reardon, Doug Richmond, Jerry Roberts, Eric Rohr, Don Sharaf, Lowell Skoog, Randy “Bunion” Spence, Scott Toepfer, Tom Turiano, Carla Wheeler, Ken White, Knox Williams, Bill Williamson, Lynne Wolfe, Bob Woodall and Evan Woods.