New York/Calgary  - Eight snowmobilers remained missing on Monday following two avalanches in the Canada province of British Columbia, authorities said.

The first group of victims were trapped in the first avalanche on Sunday, and when others tried to pull them out they were caught in a second, the Canadian broadcaster CTV said.

Three of the eleven were able to free themselves and received medical treatment.

The rescue effort was called off because of darkness Sunday evening and crews resumed their work on Monday. The avalanches took place about 300 kilometres southwest of Calgary. (dpa)