Low Snow Year Has Iditarod Organizers Considering Alternate Routes For March Race (Update)

A low snow count year could prompt a new route for the Iditarod, which was scheduled to start from Anchorage in March. Here’s the Anchorage Daily News with more:

Earlier in the week, the Iditarod Trail Committee’s communications director, Shannon Noonan, sent out an email noting the organization is closely “monitoring current and forecasted conditions along the race course.”

“Our team is working diligently to gather data points, with trail flyovers, input from checkpoint communities and engaging weather experts to assess any potential impacts,” Noonan wrote. “We are doing everything in our power to run the traditional Southern route but if adjustments to the race course or schedule become necessary, we are prepared to act swiftly to ensure a safe and fair competition for everyone involved.” …

The race alternates between a northern and southern route from year to year, splitting off in the historic Iditarod Mining District and sending mushers down different stretches of the Yukon River on the way toward the Bering Sea Coast. The race follows the southern route in odd-numbered years.

UPDATE: Low amounts of snowfall also prompted a delay to the Kuskokwim 300 dog sled race until February 7