Kittitas County, Washington — A backcountry outing in central Washington turned deadly Friday afternoon when an avalanche swept through a remote area near the Longs Pass trail, killing two men and leaving two others stranded before they were rescued, according to local officials.
Authorities say the four men were touring the backcountry when a sudden slide trapped them in a mass of snow, triggering a multi-agency rescue and recovery operation that extended into Saturday due to dangerous conditions.
Avalanche Strikes During Backcountry Tour
The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office said the incident occurred Friday afternoon as the group was traveling near the Longs Pass trail, a popular but challenging route for experienced backcountry users.
All four men were caught when the avalanche released. Two were able to escape full burial, while the other two were trapped beneath the snow.
“Four individuals were touring the backcountry when they were caught in an avalanche,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Survivors Send Distress Call
Two members of the group — Ian Laing and Patrick Leslie — survived the initial slide and were able to send an emergency distress signal using a Garmin satellite communication device, officials said.
That alert allowed rescuers to pinpoint their location in an otherwise inaccessible area.
Snowmobile teams were dispatched and successfully reached the survivors, transporting them out of the backcountry later that same evening.
“The ability to send a distress call was critical to the rescue,” authorities noted.
Both men were reported to be alive when they were brought out, though officials did not release details about their medical condition.
Recovery Delayed by Dangerous Conditions
The fate of the remaining two tourers was unclear Friday night.
In a statement released Saturday, the Northwest Avalanche Center said one of the missing men was fully buried and killed by the avalanche, while the other was also fully buried and presumed dead.
Rescue and recovery efforts were temporarily suspended due to hazardous avalanche conditions in the area.
“Due to unsafe conditions, responders ceased operations and planned to resume recovery efforts the following morning,” the sheriff’s office said.
Victims Identified After Search Resumes
On Saturday morning, recovery efforts resumed with the help of K9 teams and air support, officials said.
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Authorities later confirmed the victims as:
- Paul Markoff, 38, of North Bend
- Erik Henne, 43, of Snoqualmie Pass
Both men were located and recovered from the avalanche zone before being transported to the Kittitas County Coroner’s Office.
In addition to the bodies, rescuers recovered two snowmobiles and personal belongings from the area.
Officials Express Condolences
Following the recovery, authorities released a brief statement acknowledging the loss and the impact on the community.
“The Sheriff’s Office extends condolences to the families and friends of those lost,” officials said.
The incident adds to growing concerns about avalanche danger in Washington’s backcountry during periods of unstable snowpack.
Avalanche Risk Remains High
Officials did not release specific details about the snow conditions that triggered the slide, but avalanche experts frequently warn that backcountry travel carries significant risks — even for experienced users.
The Northwest Avalanche Center regularly urges outdoor enthusiasts to:
- Check daily avalanche forecasts
- Carry proper safety and communication equipment
- Avoid high-risk terrain during unstable conditions
“Avalanche danger can change rapidly, and even one miscalculation can have fatal consequences,” avalanche experts warn.
A Reminder for Backcountry Safety
While the rescue of two men highlights the importance of emergency communication devices, authorities stress that prevention and preparation remain the best defenses against avalanche tragedies.
Officials continue to encourage backcountry users to travel with caution, maintain awareness of conditions, and be prepared to turn back when risks increase.
As recovery efforts conclude, the tragedy near Longs Pass serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly conditions can turn deadly in Washington’s winter backcountry.
Do you think current avalanche warnings are reaching enough outdoor recreationists, or should more safety measures be required before entering high-risk terrain? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
