A snowmobiler launches off the start line during the 2015 Wawasee Kiwanis Snowmobile Drags. (Photo by Chelsea Los)

SYRACUSE — With a warmer than usual fall and winter, it’s been an uphill battle for Syracuse Lake to form enough ice to support dozens of people and snowmobiles. Now with a forecast of snow, the Wawasee Kiwanis Club has canceled its annual snowmobile drags.

Snow acts like an insulator, preventing colder air from contacting the water — thus slowing the formation of ice. With ample snow cover, lake overflow can remain liquid for weeks at a time.

Greg Long, with the Wawasee Kiwanis Club, stated the club will try again next year, hoping for better ice formation.

While the races have been canceled, other Syracuse-Wawasee Winter Carnival events will continue as planned. Also keep checking www.wawaseekiwnanis.org for information on next year’s snowmobile drags and other Wawasee Kiwanis Club events like its annual Cruisin’ Cuse Car Show.