The Siskiyou Sled Dog Races planned for this weekend at the Deer Mountain/Chuck Best Memorial Snowmobile Park this weekend, January 22 and 23 have been canceled due to unsafe, low snow conditions.
Recent warm weather and rains raised concerns about the conditions of the Siskiyou Sled Dog Race trail systems for the Siskiyou Snow Dog Sporting Association (SSDSA). A volunteer went out on a snowmobile early Sunday to check conditions. The volunteer reported to the Board of Directors that trail conditions were badly deteriorated and slushy and that even the start/finish line conditions would not make for a good spectator experience. Upon hearing this, Doug Hake, Director of the SSDSA, drove to the park to confirm the volunteer’s report. Doug reported to the group that even the contingency trails and the start/finish line area conditions were so compromised by the warm rains that there was no way the trails would be “good-to-go” next weekend. Unseasonable warm and sunny weather is forecast through the race weekend and gave no hopes for the kind of snow storm needed to pull off the races. He reported late Sunday to the SSDSA Board, and a vote was made to cancel the races around 8:30 Sunday evening.
Over 20 teams were entered, many returning from year’s previous – some coming from as far away as Idaho, Washington and Alaska. Many more late entries were expected. Doug Hake, Director of the SSDSA Board states, “The SSDSA’s goals are to hold world-class, quality family events that promote Siskiyou County. The decision to cancel this year’s races was made with the safety of the mushers and their dogs in mind. Also, the spectators and our very dedicated volunteers deserve the best experience possible!”
The SSDSA has notified the competing mushers and the race sponsors and volunteers that offer their valuable support each year. They have all expressed their understanding of the race cancellation and offer their support and involvement for the 2012 races. If you have any questions or concerns, visit siskiyousleddograces.com or write to info@siskiyousleddograces.net.
[…] The SSDSA notified competing mushers and race sponsors and volunteers who provide their valuable support each year. They all expressed their understanding of the cancellation of the race and offer their support and their implication for the races from 2012. If you have questions or concerns, please visit siskiyousleddograces.com or write to info@siskiyousleddograces.net. source: Dog Sled Races Canceled!!!! | Weed Chamber Blog. […]