3 climbers presumed dead after Banff avalanche

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 said Thursday that 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 families and friends.

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

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

Parks Canada says safety specialists immediately responded by air and observed signs of multiple avalanches and debris containing climbing equipment. Parks Canada offered condolences to the families.