Two men were killed in a backcountry avalanche Friday afternoon in the Cascade Mountains of central Washington, underscoring the persistent dangers posed by unstable winter snow conditions across the region.
According to authorities, the avalanche occurred near Longs Pass in a remote area of Kittitas County at approximately 4 p.m. The victims were identified as Paul Markoff, 38, and Erik Henne, 43. Both men were part of a small group traveling in the backcountry when the slide was triggered on a steep, snow-covered slope.
The incident took place within rugged terrain east of the Cascade crest, an area popular with experienced skiers and snowmobilers seeking untracked snow far from developed ski areas. Longs Pass sits within a high-elevation zone that can be difficult to access, particularly during winter storms or periods of unstable snowpack. Emergency responders noted that the location and conditions complicated rescue and recovery efforts.
Initial reports indicate that four individuals were in the area at the time of the avalanche. Two members of the group were able to survive the slide and later summon help using satellite communication equipment, which is often essential in backcountry areas lacking cellular service. Despite their efforts and the rapid response from search and rescue teams, Markoff and Henne were found buried beneath the snow and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Department coordinated the response alongside local search and rescue volunteers. Due to fading daylight, ongoing avalanche risk, and hazardous terrain, crews were unable to immediately recover the victims Friday evening. Recovery operations resumed the following day with additional resources, including avalanche search dogs and helicopter support, allowing teams to safely access the site and transport the victims from the mountains.
Officials reported that snow conditions in the area had been unstable in recent days. Periods of heavy snowfall, combined with shifting temperatures and wind, contributed to a fragile snowpack prone to releasing slides. The avalanche occurred within the broader Cascade Mountains, a range known for complex snow layers that can become unpredictable even for seasoned backcountry users.
The Northwest Avalanche Center has repeatedly warned recreationists that conditions across much of Washington’s backcountry have been elevated to dangerous levels at times this winter. Avalanche forecasters have emphasized that natural and human-triggered slides remain possible, particularly on steep slopes at higher elevations.
Longs Pass, a well-known route within the Cascades, draws winter recreationists throughout the season. However, experts stress that familiarity with an area does not eliminate risk, as snow conditions can change rapidly from one day or even one hour to the next. Carrying safety equipment such as avalanche beacons, probes, shovels, and reliable communication devices is considered essential but does not guarantee survival in a large slide.
The deaths of Markoff and Henne mark another sobering reminder of the inherent hazards of winter backcountry travel. Authorities continue to urge outdoor enthusiasts to closely monitor avalanche forecasts, assess conditions in real time, and be prepared to alter or abandon plans when risks increase. As winter recreation continues across the Cascade Mountains, officials say heightened awareness and caution remain critical to preventing further tragedies.