As the West experiences heavy snowfall, the Eastern U.S. faces a different scenario with insufficient snow leading to the cancellation of the longest sled dog race in the region. The Can-Am Crown International sled dog race in Fort Kent, Maine, had to be called off due to unsafe trail conditions caused by the lack of adequate snow coverage. Despite receiving around four feet of snow since October, the area remains approximately two feet below the average snowfall, as reported by the National Weather Service.
The president of the Can-Am races mentioned that while there was a previous instance where a portion of the race had to be canceled due to moving ice on the river, a complete cancellation like this year has never occurred before. The decision to cancel the race was made about six days prior to the scheduled start, as the trail crew had been highlighting the need for more snow throughout February to cover obstacles like rocks and branches.
Over the past 30 years, the race has typically enjoyed good snow coverage, with three to four feet of snow on race days. However, this year's lack of snow is a stark departure from the usual conditions. The president noted the unusual sight of a bare lawn outside his window, contrasting with the usual snow-covered landscape.
While some ski resorts have resorted to making artificial snow to sustain their winter seasons, such an option is not feasible for a 250-mile sled dog race through the Allagash wilderness waterway. The local ski slopes still have significant snow cover, but the natural trails required for the race are currently lacking in snow.
With the cancellation of the race raising concerns about the impact of climate change on winter sports, the president acknowledged the warmer winters experienced in recent years. However, he expressed optimism that the region typically receives ample snowfall and predicted a return to normal snow conditions in the future.
Despite the disappointment of this year's cancellation, the president remains confident that next year will see a return to the usual snowy conditions, emphasizing the cyclical nature of weather patterns in the region.
