By The Canadian Press

tragedy in the rockies

Avalanche in Banff National Park; three climbers presumed dead

Apr 18, 2019 | 1:28 PM

BANFF, Alta. – Outdoor apparel company The North Face says three members of its Global Athlete Team are presumed dead after an avalanche in Alberta’s Banff National Park.

The company says renowned American alpinist Jess Roskelley and Austrian climbers David Lama and Hansjörg Auer are missing.

The North Face says it is doing what it can to support their family and friends.

Parks Canada says the three men were attempting to climb the east face of Howse Peak on the Icefields Parkway on Wednesday.

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Officials say recovery efforts are on hold because of a continued risk of avalanches in the area.

Rain and strong winds in the forecast are expected to make conditions worse.

“Parks Canada visitor safety specialists immediately responded by air and observed signs of multiple avalanches and debris containing climbing equipment,” the agency says in a statement.

“Parks Canada extends its sincerest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the mountaineers.”

The east face of Howse Peak is remote and Parks Canada says its mixed rock and ice routes make it an exceptionally difficult climb.

(The Canadian Press)