The Jefferson/ Nobleboro SnoPackers have cancelled the snowmobile races, held annually at Damariscotta Lake State Park, for the third straight year. Unusually warm weather in December delayed ice freezing on great bay on the lake.
Marty Creamer, the club trailmaster, reported to the club last week that only five inches of ice had formed in the vicinity of the race track. The track needs to be cleared of snow, but there is not sufficient ice to support the weight of a snow plow. The insulating layer of snow will slow the formation of additional ice.
Scott Barbour, club president, stated that in the past few years, several plow trucks had broken through the ice even when the ice had been substantially thicker. Fortunately no one was hurt and no equipment was damaged. “I’m not going to allow anyone to plow under these conditions. It just isn’t safe,” Barbour said.
The race had been planned for Feb 4 and 5. Since this is the third straight year the event has been cancelled, the club is considering holding a grass drag in the fall instead.