Air Quality Summary for Wednesday, September

Air Quality Summary Report - Pioneer Fire             For: Wednesday, September 14, 2016 

ARA: John Washington (jwashington@fs.fed.us)                  ARA (T): Mike McGown          

FIRE, WEATHER AND SMOKE SYNOPSIS Weather: A cut-off low pressure system influencing the area will result in cloud cover, showers, cool daytime temperatures and higher RH values. RH values will be around 20-25 percent in the lower valleys and 30-35 percent in the higher elevations. There is also a slight chance of thunderstorms. Light NE Winds will shift to NW in the afternoon. Ridge tops will see winds at 7 to 10 mph. Valleys will see light upslope winds to 5 mph. Fire Activity: Moderated Fire Activity is expected today as showers move into the area. Backing, creeping, smoldering with single tree torching can be expected. Cloud cover will prevent any radiant heating before precipitation arrives.

Smoke Summary:  The majority of areas will see reduced smoke impacts today with active weather mixing out the smoek. Smoke will again settle into the valleys in the overnight hours. Today, the most significant smoke impacts will be to the Garden Valley and Lowman areas. Greater smoke impacts are expected to tomorrow as the weather system moves out of the area.

Air Quality Outlook (Smoke Related)

Sites with air quality monitors (based on concentration PM 2.5 µg/m^3 24-hr avg.)
Site	Yesterday		Today		Tomorrow		Comments for Today (9/14/16)
Bruce Meadows	Moderate		Good		Good		Brief Smoke Intrusions possible.
Fairfield	Good		Good		Good		No smoke impacts expected.
Garden City	Good		Good		Good		No smoke expected.
Garden Valley  School & ICP/Helibase	Good		Moderate		USG		Smoke impacts will be moderated by rain showers today.
Idaho City	Good		Good		Moderate		Little or no smoke expected.
Ketchum	Good		Good		Good		Little or no smoke expected.
Meridian	Good		Good		Good		No smoke expected.
Nampa	Good		Good		Good		Little or no smoke expected
Lowman	Good		Moderate		USG		Smoke Impacts will be moderated by rain showers today.
Stanley	Good		Good		Good		Little or no smoke expected.
Salmon	Good		Good		Good		Little or no smoke expected.
Sites without a monitor
Site		Today		Tomorrow		Comments for Today
Lucky Peak Rec. Area		Good		Good		Little or no smoke expected.
Centerville		Moderate		Moderate		Elevated concentrations throughout the afternoon and evening.

Disclaimer: Conditions may change quickly. These predictions are based on anticipated weather and fire activity.

USG – Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

 

Other Websites with Smoke Related Information

For areas without a monitor use the Visibility method to help protect your health from Smoke: https://nmtracking.org

 

Information about Wildfire Smoke and Your Health: http://www.cdc.gov/features/wildfires/

                                        

Idaho Smoke Blog: https://idsmoke.blogspot.com