Conditions are a little dry due to low overall winter snowfall. Currently the soil is frozen virtually everywhere, but is especially deep on north-facing slopes and on level ground that is covered with thick thatch, insulating the soil from sun. This will make for severe runoff in the event of significant rain. A nearly snowless winter has left plants and soil exposed to the elements. Here in the valley, any winter wheat is brown and lifeless looking. Animal trails are bare from traffic in the absence of snow, although animals have access to seeds & dried berries at will. Groundwater level--and therefore streamflow--seems to be lower than normal. Burn restrictions are running about normal.