The annual Copper Basin sleddog race lasted less than one day, with event

officials canceling the race on Sunday morning.

The Meieris' Lake and Sourdough section, 75 miles into the race, were declared

impassible by race officials and effectively ended the event.

Unusually deep snow conditions, combined with high winds and frigid temperatures that dipped as low as -50C completely obliterated the trail and routinely left snowmobilers stuck as they attempted to lead the way.

The event, which referers to itself as the "toughest 300 miles in sled dog racing,” serves as a qualifier for the Iditarod and Yukon Quest.

Tony Angelo, of Fairbanks, was relying on the race to secure a spot in the Yukon Quest, said Sue Thomas, the Yukon Quest executive director.

Thomas said that brings the number of teams competing in the Quest to 27.

"It's too bad,” she said. "It's not very often that a race gets cancelled but they had no trail so, at that point, there's not much you can do.”