A major concern is stock water, particularly in the Flint Hills - almost all that stock water is from ponds developed in pastures, and those pond water levels are way down, in some areas 40 to 50 percent of normal.

The department obviously has a concern about the safety issues, as well as the snowmobile going into the water and fuel seepage. But for now there are no plans I know of to ban skipping.

The issue is to get the job done before high water season, ... That's when it would become a concern.

Our concern is that this is spring, and typically ground water and streams are recharged during the spring. Moreover, not only is precipitation down, but vegetation, which is coming out of its dormant state, will be drawing on the ground water.

It's a big cause of concern. We haven't seen water like this since El Nino.

We are not in severe shape - yet. But the reason we are not is because temperatures are typical for the spring and have been on the cool side.