Story perspectives

Tragic Avalanche Claims Lives of Two Skiers in Washington

1/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Paul Markoff and Erik Henne died in an avalanche while skiing near Longs Pass in Washington on Friday.
Survivors Ian Laing and Patrick Leslie sent a distress call via satellite.
Authorities reported 25 to 30 inches of snow near Longs Pass, creating hazardous avalanche conditions.
Local authorities and rescue teams reached the area, unable to continue searching at night due to hazardous conditions.
The bodies were recovered on Saturday.

History

Historical Context

The 1910 Rogers Pass Avalanche in British Columbia killed 58 railroad workers, marking Canada's deadliest avalanche disaster. This tragedy followed a winter of severe avalanche conditions, prompting the Northern Pacific Railway to implement stricter safety regulations. The recent avalanche near Longs Pass, which claimed two lives, underscores the persistent dangers in mountainous regions and the ongoing need for enhanced safety measures during winter weather.

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Story summary

Paul Markoff and Erik Henne died in an avalanche while skiing near Longs Pass in Washington on Friday.
Survivors Ian Laing and Patrick Leslie sent a distress call via satellite.
Authorities reported 25 to 30 inches of snow near Longs Pass, creating hazardous avalanche conditions.
Local authorities and rescue teams reached the area, unable to continue searching at night due to hazardous conditions.
The bodies were recovered on Saturday.

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