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Choi and other family members had been sequestered at the local library, where, she said, they were unable to get any information on the rescue or recovery efforts.

PNG

Choi described her sister as a very experienced hiker who had been hiking since she was in university, and had joined the group of hikers for regular weekend outings as of last year.

“I want to see her,” said Choi as she wiped away tears.

Martin Colwell, manager for Lions Bay Search and Rescue, said the snowpack was very hard, making it difficult for rescuers and search dogs.

Two helicopters and several ground crews responded Saturday afternoon after five hikers on snowshoes were caught by a collapsing snow overhang known as a cornice at around 4 p.m. The search was called off Saturday night because of the unstable terrain in the area.

Photo by Arlen Redekop / PNG

Colwell said the group had followed an established hiking trail up Mount Harvey. Colwell described the trail as somewhat steep, and made more dangerous due to the winter conditions. “One of group held back a little bit, he was lower. By the time he got to the summit of Mount Harvey, the five members in front of him he was expecting to see where not there.”

The hiker saw tracks leading to a sheer break in the snow over the north face of the mountain where there had been a cornice. “It appears these people stepped onto that cornice, which is unsupported snow, especially with the heavy snow and wind we’ve had, and it broke, sheered off and they fell to the base of Mount Harvey.”