By Canadian Press

Parks Canada releases details of search for climbers killed in Banff avalanche

Apr 22, 2019 | 2:51 PM

EDMONTON — Parks Canada is calling the recovery of three world-class climbers from Banff National Park treacherous and complex, involving a helicopter, a search dog and 28 people.

American Jess Roskelley and Austrians David Lama and Hansjorg Auer disappeared while attempting to descend the east face of Howse Peak in the Icefields Parkway.

The climbers were reported overdue on Wednesday.

Shelley Humphries, Parks Canada incident commander, says visitor safety specialists responded immediately and concluded the men had died after finding climbing equipment and evidence of multiple avalanches.

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Humphries says crews were unable to start the recovery until Saturday due to the weather and dangerous avalanche conditions.

She says the bodies were found Sunday after an avalanche dog and its handler were deployed to the area.

The Canadian Press