2 snowmobilers killed, 2 rescued in Washington avalanche

Two snowmobilers were killed, and two others were rescued after an avalanche slammed into their group in Washington state’s backcountry.

The group was struck around 4 p.m. Friday in a remote area near Longs Pass, a popular hiking destination within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook statement.

The deadly snow slide killed Paul Markoff, 38, and Erik Henne, 43.

The two survivors, Ian Laing and Patrick Leslie, were stranded deep in the backcountry but were able to alert authorities by sending a distress call using a Garmin satellite device.

“Responders reached the remote area using snowmobiles and winter backcountry equipment and transported the two survivors out that evening,” officials said.

One of the survivors suffered injuries after being partially buried by the avalanche while responders assessed the scene, officials said.

Dangerous conditions forced crews to halt recovery efforts overnight, preventing rescuers from reaching the deceased until Saturday morning.

Rescuers returned with three trained avalanche search K-9s but later had to request air support due to the rugged, remote terrain.

Officials later determined that one of the victims was partially buried and that his surviving companions attempted to dig him out.

The second man was found about 4 feet beneath the snow by a K-9 unit, authorities said.

The group’s personal belongings, including two snowmobiles, were also recovered.

“The Sheriff’s Office and KCSR extend condolences to the families and friends of those lost,” officials said.

Investigators with the Northwest Avalanche Center — a US Forest Service–partnered nonprofit that provides avalanche forecasting and safety education in Washington and northern Oregon — also responded to assist in analyzing the cause of the fatal avalanche.

“Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and community of those involved in this accident,” the organization said in a Facebook statement.

Heavy mountain snow blanketed Washington state throughout the week leading up to the incident, with the National Weather Service reporting up to 27 inches at Snoqualmie Pass in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest on Jan. 8.

The weather service also warned on Jan. 10 that additional snowfall and rain were expected across the region.

With Post wires