January 9, 2026, Paul Markoff (age of 38) and Erik Henne (age of 43) were snowmobiling while an Avalanche accompanied them.
In the mountains of northern Kittitas County at around 4 p.m. Paul and Erik were killed by an avalanche near Longs Pass, though the cause of the avalanche is still unknown reporters think Paul and Erik caused it. Later the Kittitas County Search found out there were two other people near Longs Pass,they sent a ‘distress signal’
with a satellite device and the responders got the two survivors to safety. It was said the Search Team could not go back out to where Paul and Erik got hit by the avalanche due to the harsh and remote conditions.
Later on Saturday the Search Team requested air support due to the rugged terrain. The two deceased people were then taken to the Kittitas County Coroner’s Office by a helicopter. The air support
team also recovered the deceased’s belongings including their two snowmobiles. According to the Seattle Times and MyNorthWest, a representative of the Northwest Avalanche Center reported the group was back country skiing after riding snowmobiles about 10-12 miles along snow-covered roads to reach Longs Pass.
Since then, most of the Pacific Northwest have been under a “high risk” for avalanches due to the atmospheric rivers Washington was hit with.
The Kittitas County Officers sent their condolences to the families and friends who lost their loved ones.
