Two snowmobilers died after an avalanche swept through a remote area near Longs Pass in northern Kittitas County, Washington, on Friday, Jan. 9.
At a Glance
- Paul Markoff, 38, of North Bend, and Erik Henne, 43, of Snoqualmie Pass, were killed
- Two companions, Ian Laing and Patrick Leslie, sent a distress call and survived
- Rescue crews reached the site by snowmobile and airlifted the bodies out the next morning
- Why it matters: The tragedy highlights the risks of winter backcountry travel and the importance of satellite emergency devices
The slide struck around 4:00 p.m. as four men were riding in the mountains northeast of Seattle. Kittitas County Sheriff’s deputies said the group was caught in the avalanche near Longs Pass, a high-elevation saddle popular with experienced riders.
Victims Identified
Markoff and Henne were buried under the snow and did not survive. Their riding partners, Laing and Leslie, managed to trigger a Garmin satellite distress beacon, alerting search crews to the exact location.
Kittitas County Search & Rescue volunteers responded immediately, racing across rugged terrain on snowmobiles equipped with winter survival gear. They reached the survivors Friday evening and escorted them out of the backcountry.
Recovery Efforts
Nightfall and continued avalanche danger forced crews to suspend recovery operations until daylight.
At first light Saturday, three trained avalanche search dogs joined the effort. Because the area is steep and remote, officials requested air support.
King County’s Guardian 2 helicopter flew in, hoisted the two victims, and ferried them to a search base where the Kittitas County Coroner took custody. Deputies also recovered the riders’ personal gear, including two snowmobiles.
Official Statements
The Kittitas County Sheriff praised the coordinated response:
> “Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Kittitas County Search & Rescue volunteers responded. Responders reached the remote area using snowmobiles and winter backcountry equipment and transported the two survivors out that evening.”
The Northwest Avalanche Center, which monitors snow stability across the region, posted its own statement on Facebook:
> “We are saddened to report that four backcountry tourers were caught and carried in an avalanche near Longs Pass in the upper Teanaway River drainage of the East Central zone. One tourer was not buried, one was partially buried and injured, one was fully buried and killed, and one was fully buried and is presumed dead.”
The agency added:
> “Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and community of those involved in this accident.”
Timeline of Events
| Time | Action |
|---|---|
| 4:00 p.m., Jan. 9 | Avalanche catches four snowmobilers |
| Minutes later | Garmin beacon activated |
| Evening | KCSR reaches survivors and escorts them out |
| Night | Recovery suspended due to hazard |
| Dawn, Jan. 10 | Avalanche dogs and helicopter deployed |
| Morning | Bodies airlifted to coroner |
Safety Reminders
Authorities urged winter recreationists to:
- Carry satellite emergency beacons
- Check avalanche forecasts before heading out
- Travel with partners and keep visual contact
- Take avalanche safety courses
The Northwest Avalanche Center and the sheriff’s office both stressed that conditions can change rapidly in the backcountry, even for experienced riders.
Community Response
Local residents shared condolences online, remembering Markoff and Henne as avid outdoorsmen who knew the mountains well. Friends described the survivors as shaken but grateful for the rescue crews’ rapid response.
The sheriff’s office closed its statement by extending sympathy:
> “The Sheriff’s Office and KCSR extend condolences to the families and friends of those lost.”
Key Takeaways
- Two snowmobilers died and two survived after an avalanche near Longs Pass on Jan. 9
- A satellite distress call brought rescuers to the remote site within hours
- Recovery teams used snowmobiles, search dogs, and a helicopter to retrieve the victims
- Officials remind riders to carry emergency devices and monitor avalanche danger
The Kittitas County Sheriff did not immediately respond to News Of Losangeles‘s request for further comment.
