BELFAST – This winter’s snows may have created problems for some, but they also should result in some spectacular white-water for area canoe racers.

The Waldo County YMCA will be host of two canoe races over the next two weekends, and director Dale Cross is banking on high water and swift currents.

“I think it’s going to be a fun year,” Cross said Monday.

The 25th annual St. George River Canoe Race will be held Saturday, followed by the 31st annual Passagassawaukeag “Passy” River Canoe Race on April 5.

Registration for the St. George race will take place the day of the race from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Searsmont Town Hall on Route 131.

The course features 3 miles of dead water, 1 mile of rapids, followed by 2 miles of dead water and curves with one Class 3 drop. The river features a number of Class 2 or 3 rapids. The 11 a.m. race will have a 30-second staggered start.

Registration for the Passy race will take place the day of the race from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Littlefield Farm in Waldo.

The river features 1 mile of flat-water and travels beneath a cement bridge to another mile of flat water, followed by a short stretch of Class 2 rapids.

A 2-mile stretch of flat water will end at Rolerson’s Bridge, followed by Class 1, 2 and 3 white-water for more than 1 mile, leading to a flat-water stretch to the finish. The 11 a.m. race will start two boats each minute.

The registration fee for each race is $10. For more information, contact the YMCA at 338-4598 or waldocountyymca.org.