Left Out In The Cold

The first major Alaska sled-dog race has been cancelled due to a lack of snow, The Anchorage Daily News reported.

Alaska’s Talkeetna Mountains have not received enough snow to allow The Sheep Mountain 150 to take place this weekend, said race director Zack Steer said, according to ADN.

"There is not enough snow to support 45 dog teams, especially on the downhill sections in the mountains," Steer said in a press release, ADN reported.

"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."

The Sheep Mountain 150 is the first mid-distance race of the season. Many teams training for the Iditarod or Yukon Quest use the race as a season warm-up, according to ADN.

Steer said the race will not be rescheduled.