Idaho Sled Dog Challenge cancelled midrace due to avalanche risk

MCCALL, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — An Idaho qualifier for the Iditarod had to be cut short on Monday due to the avalanche risk in the area.

Due to severe avalanche danger, the Idaho Sled Dog Challenge canceled the remainder of the 200-mile race. Seven 100-mile teams that left the last checkpoint before the hold made it safely to the finish line.

A race marshal placed the two races on a 12-hour hold at 4:12 a.m. Race officials decided to cancel the races at 7:25 a.m. Three 100-mile teams who reached the last checkpoint after officials placed the hold could not finish the race.

“The safety of our mushers and their teams is Paramount,” race cofounder and trails coordinator Dave Loony said. “The safety margin was not adequate to warrant continuing the race, and that was confirmed when I spoke with the Valley County groomers this morning.”

Organizers said they will announce the results of the 100-mile race later on Monday.

The Idaho Sled Dog Challenge is one of only three qualifiers for the Iditarod held in the lower 48 states.

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