Alaska’s winter is so warm, the Iditarod is importing snow and shortening its start
(
WaPo) Soon after they start competing, participants in the Iditarod Alaskas iconic, 1,000-mile sled dog race find themselves cold and lonely, darting across the states vast, snowy expanse.
But thats not how the so-called Last Great Race begins. The Iditarods ceremonial beginning in Anchorage is half parade, half sporting event: Spectators line the streets, cameras are out and balloons bob above sponsor banners.
Its 11 miles of off-the-clocks pomp. Usually.
When this years iteration of the Iditarod starts Saturday, the ceremonial route will be much shorter than normal just three miles because of a lack of snow.
Alaskas winter has been so mild that even that abbreviated route will have to be lined with imported powder.
(As the Arctic roasts, Alaska bakes in one of its warmest winters ever)
Its a rare occasion that there isnt enough snow in Anchorage, said Tim Sullivan, spokesman for the Alaska Railroad, which delivered seven cars full of snow to Anchorage for the event on Thursday morning. ...............(more)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/03/04/alaskas-winter-is-so-warm-the-iditarod-is-importing-snow-and-shortening-its-ceremonial-start/