The Sheep Mountain 150 scheduled for next weekend has been canceled because of insufficient snow in the higher elevations of the Talkeetna Mountains, race director Zack Steer said Sunday.
"There is not enough snow to support 45 dog teams, especially on the downhill sections in the mountains," Steer said in a press release. "Mushers are not able to control their dog teams without adequate snow to operate the sled brake. Safety for the dogs and the mushers is paramount to this race, and right now that is not possible."
There is adequate snow near Sheep Mountain and Eureka lodges, Steer said, but recent high winds wiped out much of the snow higher in the mountains.
The Sheep Mountain 150, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, is the first mid-distance race of the season and serves as an early tuneup for many teams training for the Iditarod or Yukon Quest. Steer said it will not be rescheduled.
Important warning about e-mails purporting to be from the adn.com staff.