The event typically draws thousands of spectators as it travels 250 miles across the vast Allagash Desert.
This year, the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races, the longest sled dog race in the eastern United States, faced cancellation due to insufficient snow coverage, raising concerns about the potentially dangerous trail conditions.
The event, scheduled to begin March 2 in Fort Kent, Maine, more than 300 miles north of Portland near the U.S.-Canada border, typically draws thousands of spectators along its 250-mile course. across the vast Allagash Desert.
The decision to cancel this year's race was announced by Can-Am President Dennis Cyr, citing the lack of snow and the expected strong storm, along with unseasonably warm weather, which could further degrade the trails.
The Fort Kent area has experienced a snow deficit, with only 4 feet of snow since October 2023, about 2 feet below average through February. The region is seeing the warmest winter on record, with temperatures averaging 6 degrees Fahrenheit above normal.
Organizers emphasized prioritizing the health and safety of participants, including mushers and their dogs. This marks a recurring challenge for the event, as it has been modified or canceled in the past due to weather-related issues, including a pandemic-related cancellation in 2021.
Scientists highlight the potential impact of the climate crisis on snow conditions in the Northeast, anticipating decreased snowfall and a shorter snow season due to warmer temperatures, leading to more precipitation in the form of rain in snow place.
Can-Am organizers express hope that the event will return in 2025, recognizing its importance as a tradition that celebrates the bond between mushers and sled dogs amid the rugged beauty of Maine's winter landscape.
