Air Quality Summary Report-Pioneer Fire, Saturday August 20, 2016

Air Quality Summary Report -  Pioneer Fire    For: Saturday, August 20, 2016 Air Resource Advisor: Tod Johnson (tod_johnson@nps.gov), ARA (T) Karen Dillman (kdillman@fs.fed.us)

FIRE, WEATHER AND SMOKE SYNOPSIS Weather:  A cold front moved through the area resulting in cooler temperatures and continued dry conditions. Today, winds will be N-NW 5 mph, with gusts up to 10 mph at ridgetops.  Relative humidity higher today forecasted in the 20’s for the fire area.  Good humidity recovery again tonight which will reduce overnight fire spread and smoke production. Fire Activity:  Today’s fire growth will continue north of Pioneerville and Highway 17 in Deadwood Canyon.  Steep terrain with the combination of upslope/up-canyon winds will result in uphill runs following inversion break this afternoon.  Otherwise less growth anticipated due to backing fire spread - burning with lower intensity. Burnout operations will continue as conditions permit. Smoke Summary: Smoke conditions in the forecast communities were much improved yesterday. We anticipate similar conditions today due to fewer acres burned combined with good air mixing. Most smoke impacts will be local to the fire with highest concentrations forecast for Garden Valley, Lowman and Idaho City. Stanley and Ketchum should experience light hazy conditions this afternoon.  Some impacts could be present in areas SE of the fire to Twin Falls. The Treasure Valley should experience light smoke from the Rail fire today.
Air Quality Outlook  (smoke related)
Sites with air quality monitors (based on concentration PM 2.5 ug/m3 24-hr avg.)
Site	Yesterday		Today		Tomorrow		Smoke Notes for today’s forecast
Fairfield	Moderate		Good		Good		Occasional smoke pooling throughout the day.
Garden City	Good		Good		Good		Good conditions today.
Garden Valley	Good		Moderate		Good		Generally clear conditions throughout the day.
Idaho City	Moderate		Moderate		Good		Generally clear conditions throughout the day.
Ketchum	Good		Good		Moderate		Light hazy conditions but generally Good through the day.
Meridian	Good		Good		Good		Good conditions today.
Nampa	Good		Good		Good		Good conditions today.
Lowman	Good		Moderate		Moderate		Moderate in the morning, trending to USG in the afternoon.
Stanley	Good		Good		Moderate		Good in morning, trending to Moderate in afternoon.
Sites without a monitor
Site		Today		Tomorrow		Smoke Notes
Lucky Peak Rec. Area		Moderate		Good		Generally clear conditions throughout the day.
Garden Valley ICP/Helibase		Moderate		Good		Generally clear conditions throughout the day.
Disclaimer: Conditions may change quickly. These predictions are based on anticipated weather and fire activity. USG – Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups                                                                                  Idaho Smoke Blog: https://idsmoke.blogspot.com