Full Breakdown
Avalanche Claims Lives of Two Snowmobilers in Central Washington
1/11/2026, 10:02:36 PM
Incident Overview
On Friday afternoon, an avalanche in central Washington resulted in the deaths of two men, Paul Markoff, 38, from North Bend, and Erik Henne, 43, from Snoqualmie Pass. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. near Longs Pass in northern Kittitas County while the men were snowmobiling. They were part of a group of four, with the two surviving members able to send a distress signal using a satellite device, prompting a swift response from local authorities.
Response and Recovery Efforts
The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office, along with Kittitas County Search and Rescue volunteers, responded to the emergency. Due to hazardous conditions, responders initially could not conduct a nighttime recovery operation for the deceased. Instead, they transported the two survivors out of the area that evening using snowmobiles and winter backcountry equipment. The following day, recovery efforts resumed, and the bodies of Markoff and Henne were airlifted to a search base, where they were placed in the care of the Kittitas County Coroner’s Office. The search team also recovered the group’s belongings, including two snowmobiles.
Weather Conditions
The avalanche occurred amid heavy snowfall affecting Washington state, particularly in mountainous regions. The National Weather Service reported significant snow accumulations, with 34 inches recorded on Mount Baker and 25 inches at Stevens Pass. Forecasts indicate that additional snowfall is expected next week, especially in the Olympic and northern Cascade Mountains, alongside potential flooding along the Skokomish River due to rain.
Official Statements & Responses
The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to the families and friends of the victims, emphasizing the tragic nature of the incident. They noted the challenges faced by responders due to the hazardous conditions in the area.
Criticism & Opposition
While no specific criticisms have been reported regarding the response efforts, the incident raises broader concerns about avalanche safety and preparedness in backcountry activities, particularly during severe weather conditions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
At this time, the specific cause of the avalanche remains unclear, and there are no reports detailing the conditions leading up to the event or the experience level of the snowmobilers involved.
What's Next
Authorities may conduct further investigations into the avalanche's cause and the safety measures in place for snowmobiling in the region, particularly as weather conditions continue to evolve.
