Snow Dogs cancel 2008 Races due to extreme weather

The Siskiyou Snow Dog Sporting Association (SSDSA) is sorry to announce the cancellation of the 2008 Siskiyou 135 Sled Dog Races scheduled for Jan. 11, 12 & 13, 2008, due to extreme winds and heavy snow fall which may have created blow-downs, and impassable/unsafe trail conditions. 

All race weekend events are canceled, including:

After discussing the heavy snows and winds possible effects upon the trails with key Forest Service personnel, race officials, Vets, Volunteers, and Board Members, SSDSA Director, Pat Campbell, concluded that there is no way to guarantee that the 135 mile trail will be safe or even passable by race date. 

Campbell states, "Our vets, race marshals, mushers and numerous volunteers are traveling at their own expense from all over the western states.  Some of them were planning to arrive as early as Wednesday. . .  We may not even know by Wednesday if the race route suffered blow-downs or if the teams would be safe from avalanche danger.  It's sad but better to postpone than have these wonderful people arrive and THEN have to cancel.  It just wasn't meant to be this year.  We had everything ready and then these storms came rolling through!  We are already preparing for the 2009 races. Thanks to everyone who's helped us over the years to bring this event to Siskiyou County."

The SSDSA is comprised of a growing group of local dog sledding enthusiasts whose goal is to promote Sled Dog Sports through educational and fun events.  Through these events, the SSDSA also promotes multiple use of public lands, economic growth and tourism in Siskiyou County.