Whitehorse snow shortage saves money but could hamper events
Snow depth in Whitehorse is about half of what it normally is at this time of year
A lack of snow in Whitehorse this winter means savings for the city's maintenance budget, but it could mean logistical headaches for some of the Yukon capital's winter events.
Snow depth in Whitehorse is about half of what it normally is, according to snowfall data from Meteowhitehorse.
Richard Graham, the city's operations manager, said that means the city has saved around $500,000 on an annual snow clearing budget of $3.5 million
But Graham said he's concerned about the snow his crews must provide for next month's Sourdough Rendezvous.
"We do have a couple of hiding spots in Whitehorse that we guard the nice clean snow in for snowcarving boxes and that kind of thing," he said. "We should have enough of it. We may have to go on the hunt for a little of clean snow but the guys are prepared."
Graham says the city also provides snow, when it's needed, for the final few hundred metres of the Yukon Quest sled dog race. The 2016 edition of the race begins on February 6.