An avalanche in Washington state claimed the lives of two snowmobilers last week after a sudden slide struck a group recreating in a remote mountain area, according to local authorities. The incident occurred in northern Kittitas County and prompted a large-scale rescue and recovery operation involving deputies, search-and-rescue teams, and air support.
The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office said the avalanche occurred Friday afternoon near Longs Pass, a well-known hiking and recreation area in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. “On Friday, January 9, at about 4:00 p.m., four men recreating in the backcountry snow near Longs Pass in the mountains of northern Kittitas County were caught in an avalanche,” the office said.
Officials identified the victims as 38-year-old Paul Markoff of North Bend and 43-year-old Erik Henne of Snoqualmie Pass. One man was partially buried, and surviving members of the group attempted to dig him out. Authorities said the second victim was found approximately four feet beneath the snow by a K9 unit.
Two other snowmobilers, Ian Laing and Patrick Leslie, survived the avalanche and were able to call for help using a Garmin satellite device. The Northwest Avalanche Center reported that one survivor suffered a knee injury after being partially buried, though officials described the injury as non-debilitating. The other man was not buried.
Rescue crews reached the scene by snowmobile, but hazardous nighttime conditions prevented recovery of the deceased until the following morning. Officials returned with air support and multiple K9 units to complete the operation. “The Sheriff’s Office and KCSR (Kittitas County Search & Rescue) extend condolences to the families and friends of those lost,” authorities said.
