2 dead after mountain avalanche near Jasper

Parks Canada says two people have died in an avalanche on an Alberta mountain popular with climbers.

Steve Young, a communications officer with Jasper National Park, says the slab avalanche occurred Sunday morning on Mount Andromeda in the Columbia Icefield near Jasper, Alta. There were no other reported injuries.

Young had no information about what brought the two victims to the area, but says the mountain is known as a popular climbing destination.

Young did not have any information about the identities or home towns of those who died.

Jennifer Green, a spokesperson for Alberta Health Services, said emergency services received reports of the avalanche around 8:30 a.m.

Six ground ambulances were sent to a staging location at the Columbia Ice Fields before search and rescue teams determined two were dead. No patients required transport, according to an emailed statement.

STARS Air Ambulance had also dispatched three helicopters to the area.

Spokeswoman Deborah Tetley says the choppers later "stood down" because they were "not medically required."