Air Quality Summary Report for Thursday, September 15th, 2016

Air Quality Summary Report - Pioneer Fire             For: Thursday, September 15, 2016 

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

FIRE, WEATHER AND SMOKE SYNOPSIS Weather: Yesterday’s rains have ended. High pressure builds over the area today bringing clearing skies after areas of fog burn off in the morning. Warmer temperatures and lower relative humidity (RH) values are expected today. RH values of 40-50 percent are expected in the lower valleys with 45-55 percent RH values in the higher elevations. Winds will be light from the Northwest in the afternoon on ridge tops at 7 to 10 mph, valley winds will be upslope at 4 to 8 mph. Drying and a return to seasonal temperatures is expected the next several days. Fire Activity: Minimal fire activity is expected due to yesterday’s wetting rains over the fire area. Fog in the morning will prevent drying of fuels until mid-afternoon. Creeping and smoldering can be expected.

Smoke Summary:  Yesterday’s precipitation brought improved air quality to most areas with the exception of Bruce Meadows. Smoke will again settle into the valleys in the overnight hours. Today, the most significant smoke impacts will be to the Lowman area. Smoke impacts will be on the increase in Garden Valley.

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 (9/15/16)
Bruce Meadows	Unhealthy		Good		Good		Good air quality returns.
Fairfield	Good		Good		Good		No smoke expected.
Garden City	Good		Good		Good		No smoke expected.
Garden Valley  School & ICP/Helibase	Good		Moderate		Moderate		Smoke impacts increase slowly.
Idaho City	Good		Good		Moderate		Light smoke impacts at times.
Ketchum	Good		Good		Good		No smoke expected.
Meridian	Good		Good		Good		No smoke expected.
Nampa	Good		Good		Good		No smoke expected
Lowman	Moderate		Moderate		USG		Expect Smoke with brief clearing at times.
Stanley	Good		Good		Good		No smoke expected.
Salmon	Good		Good		Good		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		Good		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