Backcountry Skiing Turns Deadly as Avalanche Kills Two in Washington

Two skiers have died after an avalanche struck in Washington's Cascade Mountains. The men were part of a group of four skiing in a remote, unpatrolled area known as the backcountry. The slide occurred near Longs Pass, located east of Seattle. The region received heavy snowfall in the days before the incident. Significant new snow is a common factor in increasing avalanche danger. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims. Rescue operations were conducted in challenging conditions.