Paul Markoff, 38, of North Bend died in an avalanche accident Jan. 9, according to officials.

Four backcountry skiers were involved in the accident, which occurred in Kittitas County near Longs Pass, southwest of Leavenworth. The skiers triggered an avalanche during their descent.

Markoff was one of two men who died. The other was Erik Henne, 43, of Snoqualmie Pass. Two other individuals survived the accident — one with injuries — and were rescued.

According to the report from the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC), the two skiers who did not survive were fully buried. The group found one of the skiers during its initial search and then contacted 911 via satellite when they could not find the other. Kittitas County Search and Rescue responded and continued the search with NWAC forecasters Jan. 10.

“Responders reached the remote area using snowmobiles and winter backcountry equipment and transported the two survivors out that evening,” the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook. “Due to hazardous conditions, a nighttime recovery operation for the deceased was not conducted.”

The post continued: “On Saturday morning, Jan. 10, teams returned with three trained avalanche search K9s. Because of the rugged, remote terrain, air support was requested.”

The was the first incident reported by the NWAC for the 2025-26 season and the first Washington fatality reported since February 2025.

“Our deepest condolences to the family, friends and community of those involved in this avalanche accident,” the NWAC said in its report.