Avalanche Strikes Four Backcountry Skiers Near Longs Pass slide hit a party of four skiers southwest of Leavenworth on January 11, carrying all members down the slope at roughly 6,200 feet elevation. Two men were confirmed dead while the other two escaped the burial zone. Both King5 reports describe the same four‑person group and the split outcome of fatalities and survivors[1][2].

Victims Identified and Bodies Airlifted by Helicopter The deceased were later identified as Paul Markoff, 38, of North Bend, and Erik Henne, 43, of Snoqualmie Pass. A Guardian 2 helicopter lifted the bodies to the Kittitas County Coroner’s Office on Saturday morning. Identification and airlift details appear only in the January 13 update[1].

Survivors Used Satellite Device to Call for Help The two surviving skiers activated a Garmin satellite messenger after the slide, transmitting a distress signal that guided rescuers to their location. First‑responders reached them with snowmobiles and winter backcountry gear, evacuating them safely on Friday. This rescue method is highlighted in the later report[1].

Search Teams Deployed Dogs, Air Support, and County Resources Search and rescue crews returned with trained avalanche dogs and aerial support to locate the buried victims. Personnel from the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office and local SAR units assisted in extracting both survivors and the deceased. Both articles note the coordinated multi‑agency response, though the January 13 piece adds specifics about the dog teams and helicopter involvement[1][2].

Avalanche Risk Remains Elevated Across Cascades The Northwest Avalanche Center warned that avalanche danger stayed high for the western slopes of the north and central Cascades on Monday, with moderate to considerable risk elsewhere. NWAC also recorded a total of 12 backcountry fatalities in the region since 2020. This risk forecast and historical context are provided only in the January 13 article[1].