The Dire Consequences of Backcountry Adventures
Two men tragically lost their lives in an avalanche while skiing in the backcountry of Washington State. Paul Markoff, 38, and Erik Henne, 43, were part of a group of four who ventured near Longs Pass, about 65 miles east of Seattle, when disaster struck on Friday.
The avalanche, which occurred around 4 PM, followed a week of heavy snowfall, with some areas receiving between 25 to 30 inches. The unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder of the perils associated with backcountry skiing, especially under rapidly changing weather conditions.
Ice and Snow: A Dangerous Combination
The Northwest Avalanche Center has underscored that most avalanches are triggered by specific weather phenomena, including snowstorms, strong winds, or sudden temperature increases. According to avalanche.org, these hazardous conditions claim the lives of 25 to 30 individuals annually in the United States.
This particular tragedy unfolded just as snow accumulation heightened the risk. Those who survived the avalanche—Ian Laing and Patrick Leslie—utilized a satellite device to call for help. Rescuers from the Kittitas County Sheriff's Department and local volunteers heroically navigated the tumultuous terrain via snowmobiles to provide assistance.
Search and Recovery Efforts
While the survivors were safely evacuated that evening, recovery efforts for Markoff and Henne continued into Saturday, hindered by dangerous night conditions. Authorities confirmed they recovered the two bodies, as well as two snowmobiles and personal belongings, thus closing a tragic chapter in a season that was supposed to bring joy and adventure.
Source reference: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/11/us/washington-avalanche-kills-2-men.html
