Minnesota residents have been dealt a surprising blow this winter, and it’s not exactly a delightful one. The beloved John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, an electrifying competition, has had to be cancelled due to a shortage of snow, leaving our loyal four-legged friends out in the cold. Organizers have prioritized safety over adventure and decided to delay the event until winter decides to cooperate. It seems that not only the dogs but all of us are feeling the impact of this unpredictably mild winter, with unusually warm weather and an alarming lack of snow.
The warm winter has brought about some serious safety concerns, not only for the marathon but also for those wanting to partake in outdoor activities. In December alone, Duluth experienced a significant snow shortage, with only 4.8 inches, a mere fraction of the usual 19.8 inches by this point in the season. In fact, the snow depth for the entire month was a meagre 0.3 inches, the lowest since 1939. It’s a far cry from the 20 inches of snow on the ground this time last year.
This snow drought isn’t just a problem in Minnesota, as the entire country has been affected. Even the renowned Minneapolis-Saint Paul Twin Cities have received just 2.1 inches of snow, when they would typically expect around 10 inches at this time of year. It seems everyone is feeling the impact of this warm winter, causing disruptions for those who depend on the cold and snow for their livelihood and amusement.
Safety concerns haven’t been confined to the marathon, with a series of incidents involving people and the ice. Tragically, a man lost his life after a tracked vehicle broke through the ice on Lake of the Woods, followed by the dramatic rescue of 122 anglers stranded on Upper Red Lake and 25 people saved from Lake of the Woods after a pressure ridge cracked open. This unusually mild winter has certainly made its mark.
However, it’s not all despondency, as there appears to be a glimmer of hope on the horizon. With two storm systems predicted to hit the country soon, there’s a chance that the snow drought could come to an end, easing everyone’s worries and allowing the much-anticipated marathon and other winter activities to proceed. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that old man winter has a few more surprises up his sleeve!
