Multiple reports and agencies are now reporting that American Jess Roskelley and Austrians Hansjörg Auer and David Lama are presumed dead after a massive avalanche on the Canadian Rockies.
“Parks Canada visitor safety specialists immediately responded by air and observed signs of multiple avalanches and debris containing climbing equipment. Based on the assessment of the scene, all three members of the party are presumed to be deceased. Further investigation is underway but recovery efforts are not currently possible due to additional avalanches and dangerous conditions at the scene.” – Amy Krause, Parks Canada
The climbers were believed to be repeating a route on Howse Peak first established by Steve House, Barry Blanchard, and Scott Backes in 1999 called M16.
The team of climbers had arrived in Alberta a week earlier and is thought to include David Lama, 28, of Austria, one of the top climbers and alpinists in the world, Hansjoerg Auer, 35, also of Austria, who is known for his free solo fame and American Mountaineer Jess Roskelley, 36.
David Lama just released a highlight reel of his 2018 mountain moments on youtube two days ago.
