North and central Idaho residents could be experiencing health impacts from smoke

 

South Idaho sees a break, North Idaho still impacted

Air quality forecasts today are in the Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category. 

Smoke impacts will be focused in central and north Idaho today and through the weekend. An active weather pattern over south Idaho should provide plenty of precipitation and  higher winds ventilate and scour the air. Easterly winds will transport smoke from central Idaho into the Snake River Plain before any storm activity today. High pressure and cyclonic flow will transport smoke around north Idaho. 

The highest concentrations should be in the Panhandle shifting east to the Montana-Idaho border south through Shoshone, Clearwater, and Idaho Counties into Valley County this evening. This smoke will drain into the Lewis-Clark Valley and across the Weippe and Camas Prairies tonight into tomorrow morning with substantial concentrations expected along the Idaho-Washington border from the Canada to Lewiston. 

This smoke will continue to shift east tomorrow with locally high concentrations near fires in Montana and east-central Idaho. On Sunday, smoke will impact all areas north of Idaho County. Monday is likely to have similar impacts and weather with increasing smoke in southwestern Idaho as southwest flow begins to develop.

HRRR-Smoke: Near surface smoke forecast initialized 12Z (6am MDT) and valid 07/31/21 at 03am MDT shows ample smoke at the surface across north Idaho will clear conditions over southern Idaho.

Air Quality Advisory and Burn Ban for Coeur d'Alene Reservation

 

Air Quality Advisory

And Burn Ban

Coeur d’Alene Reservation  

 

Time / Date:			10:30 AM July 30, 2021
Location:			Kootenai and Benewah County on Coeur d’Alene Reservation
Action:			Burn Ban Stage II Notice in Effect see below to CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OR THIS OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Cause of Air Pollution:			Wild fires in BC, WA, ID and Oregon with wind direction can increase air pollution levels in our area, these conditions could continue through today and into the weekend.
AQI and AQI Category:			Current Conditions: AQI  = 184 in the Unhealthy range A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather service due to low humidity and dry conditions, sensitive* people should be cautious and stay indoors. Avoid any outdoor activities until conditions improve. Go to the links on the bottom of this page for more detailed information.   Air quality is expected to remain the same for most of the day. Wind direction could increase smoke in our area, be aware of changing conditions to protect your health this week.
Pollutant (s):			Fine particulate from wild fires smoke
Restrictions in Effect Until:			No open fires due to Stage II Restrictions until further notice
Next Update:			The Advisory will be reassessed as conditions change.
Contact:			Les Higgins(208) 686-8101 or (208) 659 2275
What is the Air Quality Index?
	AQI	Category		Cautionary Statement
	0-50	Good		None
	51-100	Moderate		Sensitive* people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
	101-150	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups		Everyone should limit exertion outdoors.
	151-200	Unhealthy		Everyone should limit exertion.
	201-300	Very Unhealthy		Limit any exertion.
	301-500	Hazardous		Stay indoors and avoid any exertion.
	* Sensitive groups include children, the elderly, those with existing health conditions, and people who have high exposure (those who work, exercise, or spend extensive time out of doors).   For more detailed information about the AQI, visit: https://www.airnow.gov/ For more information on Idaho’s Air Quality visit http://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/ For more information on CDA Tribal Smoke Management, visit https://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/nr/smoke-management/ For more information on CDA Tribe Air Quality visit https://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/nr/air-quality/ For up-to-date air quality monitoring info, visit the Idaho Smoke Blog at idsmoke.blogspot.com http://www.idahofireinfo.com/p/fire-restrictions.html Stage II Fire Restrictions https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:e92fc11c-e661-4fad-8462-91bd8a356f17

 

People may be experiencing health effects from smoke

 

Smoke spinning over Idaho

Air quality forecasts today are in the Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category.

Smoke impacts are highest over the Camas and Weippe Prairies in Central Idaho and in the Bitterroots and south to Salmon. Smoke will spin clockwise over Idaho and the Pacific Northwest bringing smoke from California into Oregon and then Idaho late tonight. Smoke that is currently over Central Idaho will track south down the Birch and Lemhi, Big and Little Lost, and finally, the Pahsimeroi drainages tonight with increasing surface concentrations by 9 p.m. This smoke will filter into the Upper Snake River Plain by tomorrow morning and lift in the early afternoon. Areas near local sources will continue to see periods of high concentrations and hazy skies throughout the day.

Bluesky surface smoke modeled 00Z (6pm 07/28) and valid 2am 07/30 shows plenty of smoke in the east-central river drainages into the Upper Snake River Plain.

Burning restrictions in Central Idaho

 

Heaviest impacts in Salmon area

 Air quality forecasts today are in the Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups categories. 

Satellite imagery shows smoke aloft over much of Idaho this morning. However, the southerly flow aloft will help to push much of the regional smoke out of south Idaho today. The moist air and overnight storms have helped to scour many areas with most of the monitors in the state dropping into the Good category this morning. This will continue throughout the day except for the Salmon area where the heaviest smoke impacts of the day are expected. North and central Idaho can will see occasional periods of smoke near local fires while the rest of the state can expect lingering haze. 

In general, air quality has improved compared to the last two days. Overnight drainage from central Idaho into south Idaho will deteriorate air quality tonight but there should be more clearing on Thursday and into the weekend across the state.

Video: HRRR-Smoke modeled near-surface smoke concentrations initialized at 12Z (6am MDT) 7/28/21 and valid till 16Z (10am MDT) 7/29/21.

Air Quality Advisory and Burn Ban for Coeur d'Alene Reservation

 

Air Quality Advisory

And Burn Ban

Coeur d’Alene Reservation  

 

Time / Date:			10:00 AM July 27, 2021
Location:			Kootenai and Benewah County on Coeur d’Alene Reservation
Action:			Burn Ban Stage II Notice in Effect see below to CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OR THIS OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Cause of Air Pollution:			Wild fires in BC, WA, ID and Oregon with wind direction can increase air pollution levels in our area, these conditions could continue through today and into the week.
AQI and AQI Category:			Current Conditions: AQI  = 64 in the Moderate range A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather service due to low humidity and dry conditions, sensitive* people should be cautious and stay indoors. Avoid any outdoor activities until conditions improve. Go to the links on the bottom of this page for more detailed information.   Air quality is expected to remain the same for most of the day. Wind direction could increase smoke in our area, be aware of changing conditions to protect your health this week.
Pollutant (s):			Fine particulate from wild fires smoke
Restrictions in Effect Until:			No open fires due to Stage II Restrictions until further notice
Next Update:			The Advisory will be reassessed as conditions change.
Contact:			Les Higgins(208) 686-8101 or (208) 659 2275
What is the Air Quality Index?
	AQI	Category		Cautionary Statement
	0-50	Good		None
	51-100	Moderate		Sensitive* people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
	101-150	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups		Everyone should limit exertion outdoors.
	151-200	Unhealthy		Everyone should limit exertion.
	201-300	Very Unhealthy		Limit any exertion.
	301-500	Hazardous		Stay indoors and avoid any exertion.
	* Sensitive groups include children, the elderly, those with existing health conditions, and people who have high exposure (those who work, exercise, or spend extensive time out of doors).   For more detailed information about the AQI, visit: https://www.airnow.gov/ For more information on Idaho’s Air Quality visit http://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/ For more information on CDA Tribal Smoke Management, visit https://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/nr/smoke-management/ For more information on CDA Tribe Air Quality visit https://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/nr/air-quality/ For up-to-date air quality monitoring info, visit the Idaho Smoke Blog at idsmoke.blogspot.com http://www.idahofireinfo.com/p/fire-restrictions.html Stage II Fire Restrictions https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:e92fc11c-e661-4fad-8462-91bd8a356f17

Some clearing for the Panhandle and Southeast Idaho

Air quality forecasts for today are in the Moderate to Unhealthy category.

We can expect clearing conditions over the Panhandle and southeast Idaho today. Conditions across Central Idaho and southwest Idaho will remain deteriorated, especially along the MT/ID border. Salmon is expected to see the highest readings in the state.  With so many active fires surrounding the state, even the ‘clear’ areas should expect to see smoke aloft from time to time. 

Video: HRRR-Smoke Surface Smoke Valid 07/27/21 shows forecast smoke conditions to be heaviest around the Panhandle and near Salmon with elevated impacts across the southwest and central portions of the state.

Widespread smoke aloft today

Air quality forecasts today are in the Moderate category with Franklin County forecasted to be in the Good category.

There will be widespread smoke aloft today as southwest winds transport smoke from CA, OR, WA, and southern BC into the state. Smoke will likely linger and be heaviest overnight and in the mornings before lifting in the afternoon. The highest smoke concentrations will be found around Salmon today. North Idaho looks to remain relatively clear, except for the northern Panhandle, where conditions are expected to deteriorate this afternoon due to the transport of regional smoke into the area. Nocturnal drainage from BC fires will affect the area tonight and into tomorrow morning. Central Idaho looks to remain relatively clear thanks to a westerly flow that is keeping smoke at bay. As soon as easterly winds develop, conditions will rapidly deteriorate.

Video: GOES-16 “RGB True Color” imagery valid ~12pm MDT to ~6pm MDT yesterday (07/25).  Note that the intense whitening of the sky at the end of the movie is likely due to the solar angle at that time of day.

Smoke Outlook 

Smoke impacts today will be greatest across the Clearwater drainages into the LC Valley, over the Panhandle and Purcell Trench, and in areas near active fires.  The westerly flow pattern today should provide a momentary reprieve before the developing southwest flow brings ample regional smoke into the area.  Best case scenario is that this smoke remains aloft while conditions at the surface remain around their current levels.  Smoke tomorrow looks to again affect the Panhandle, Central Idaho from the LC Valley to the Weippe Prairie, and southern Idaho along the Southwest, Southern, and Southeast Highlands.  Expect smoke to be heaviest overnight and in the mornings before lifting in the afternoon.  This pattern looks to persist until at least Tuesday when a changing weather pattern will occur.

The video depicts this morning’s visible satellite imagery of smoke both at the surface and aloft.

Air quality related burning restrictions lifted for parts of Southwest Idaho

 

Some clearing yesterday; hazy skies today

 Air quality forecasts today range from the Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups categories. 

The smoke cleared in many areas following a dry cold front yesterday. Smoke will stream into southwest and central Idaho from fires in California but much of this will remain aloft throughout the day. This will create hazy skies but relatively light surface impacts. There may be periods of heavier smoke near fires burning in Central Idaho. Overnight, the mountain valleys of Central Idaho will see increased impacts and funnel smoke to the Upper Snake River Plain by morning. Impacts in North Idaho will mostly be limited to the Panhandle as westerly winds bring in smoke from fires in Washington and British Columbia. 

Video Caption: HRRR-Smoke model initialized at 12Z (6 am MDT); valid through 10 am MDT Friday. Near-surface smoke product indicates impacts  and Central Idaho today with occasional impacts in the Idaho Panhandle.

Smoke expected to increase Thursday

Air quality forecasts today range from the Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups categories. 

Much of the smoke impacting Idaho has stayed aloft, keeping air quality relatively good at the surface. While this is expected to continue for eastern Idaho today thanks to lower temperatures, higher humidity, and scattered showers, significant smoke is coming into the southwest and central part of the state from fires in Oregon and California. Smoke concentrations at the surface are likely to increase this afternoon. This will begin to clear tonight, though central Idaho will still have periods of elevated impacts. Showers in North Idaho scoured the smoke away temporarily, but winds will shift and smoke from British Columbia and Washington will move in by Thursday morning. 

Smoke impacts are anticipated to increase again on Thursday as warm, dry conditions return, increasing smoke production and the likelihood of new fire starts upwind in eastern Oregon, Washington, and Northern California.

Video: HRRR-Smoke model initialized at 12Z (6am MDT); valid through 10am MDT Thursday. Near-surface smoke product indicates moderate impacts across southwest and central Idaho with lighter impacts in eastern Idaho today. North Idaho remains mostly clear until Thursday morning.

 

Not much change from yesterday

Air quality forecasts today range from the Good to Unhealthy category. 

Smoke concentrations have decreased across southern Idaho while concentrations remain in the Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups categories in all areas north of Riggins. Southern Idaho will continue to clear throughout the day. Like yesterday, there may be periods of heavier smoke in the morning and night and periods of clearing in the afternoon.

Today, winds will change from southerly to more southwesterly, which will shift the source of smoke. North Idaho will continue to experience regional smoke from fires to the south. Drainage smoke will continue to impact in the Lewis Clark Valley and the Salmon area in the morning and at night and will drain into the Snake River Plain tonight and Wednesday night. The Lower Treasure Valley will see smoke drainage beginning Wednesday night.

Video: Bluesky 4km CMAQ w/carryover smoke: This smoke model shows smoke affecting central and northern Idaho this morning.

Air quality burning restrictions in effect

 

EPA Declares Ban on Outdoor Burning for the Kootenai Reservation

(Seattle –  Monday, July 19, 2021) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10, in coordination with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, has issued a ban on all outdoor open burning on the Reservation due to elevated pollution from regional fires and weather projections indicating poor air quality. This ban begins immediately and is in effect until further notice. 

     

The burn ban applies to all outdoor and agricultural burning—including camping and recreational fires—in all areas within external reservation boundaries regardless of ownership or tribal membership. Ceremonial and traditional fires are exempt from the burn ban. Burn bans for fire safety are also in effect.      

    

EPA requests that reservation residents reduce all sources of air pollution as much as possible, including driving and idling of vehicles because air pollution can harm your health and can have lasting effects. Community cooperation with the ban will help many people who are at higher risk.    

    

Those who experience greater health effects from smoke include children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with asthma or difficulty breathing, diabetes, heart problems or otherwise compromised health. These sensitive groups should avoid outdoor exercise and minimize exposure to outdoor pollution as much as possible. Under the most severe pollution levels all residents should restrict their activities. To check conditions in your area, go to https://fire.airnow.gov/.     

    

For current burn ban status on tribal lands, please call the EPA FARR Hotline at 1-800-424-4372, or visit https://www.epa.gov/farr/burn-bans-indian-reservations-id-or-and-wa#current-bans. For burning restrictions in areas outside reservation boundaries, please contact your local clean air agency, fire department, or the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.    

    

Some clearing in Southern Idaho; smoky in Central Idaho

Air quality forecasts today range from the Good to the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category.

Southern Idaho will continue to clear today. Nighttime and mornings may have heavier smoke. Central Idaho will continue to be impacted by smoke from local fires. There may be periods of clearing in the afternoon.  Increasing amounts of regional smoke will impact North Idaho and they should expect hazy conditions by late afternoon and early evening today. The Lewis-Clark Valley and Salmon area will be impacted by drainage smoke in the morning and nighttime hours.

Tomorrow’s wind shift will bring smoke from southern Oregon to southwest Idaho. The smoke will track east into the Magic Valley and then into the Pocatello region late tomorrow evening.

Canadian FireSmoke Model shows modeled surface smoke at 12am (MDT) on the 20^th.  High concentrations are modeled across Central Idaho from Salmon to Dworshak and down into the LC valley, including the Salmon and Clearwater drainages

EPA Lifts Ban on Open Burning for Kootenai Reservation

Seattle – (Friday, July 16, 2021) -- Air quality has improved on the Kootenai Reservation, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in coordination with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, lifts its air quality ban on open burning for the reservation effective immediately.  

 

Restrictions on open burning by other agencies remain in place, including those for fire danger. Check with your local fire department or appropriate tribal agency before burning.   

  

EPA thanks all reservation residents for their cooperation in protecting and maintaining good air quality.    

  

For current burn ban and air quality advisories on tribal lands, please call the EPA FARR Hotline at 1-800-424-4372, or visit https://www.epa.gov/farr/burn-bans-indian-reservations-id-or-and-wa#current-bans.   

Air quality burning restrictions extended for central Idaho

 

Most of southern Idaho will see clearer skies while central and north Idaho still have smoke

Air quality forecasts today range from the Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category.

Luckily, smoke concentrations have generally decreased across the state. Most of southern Idaho will continue to clear throughout the weekend, though nights and mornings will see periods of heavier smoke. Central Idaho will continue to be impacted by local fires and regional fires to the south and southwest. The area may see periods of clearing in the afternoon. North Idaho should see increasing smoke impacts by Sunday as conditions bring smoke from the south and southwest. There is a slight chance for thunderstorms increasing each day into Monday, which could cause new fire starts and smoke sources.

Video: HRRR Smoke Vertically Integrated Smoke model initialized 11Z (05am MDT) and valid 11pm MDT.   Backing winds bring ample smoke from southern Oregon into central Idaho late this evening.

Air Quality Advisory and Burn Ban for Coeur d'Alene Reservation

 Air Quality Advisory

And Burn Ban

Coeur d’Alene Reservation  

 

Time / Date:			12:00 AM July 15, 2021
Location:			Kootenai and Benewah County on Coeur d’Alene Reservation
Action:			Burn Ban Stage II Notice in Effect see below to CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OR THIS OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Cause of Air Pollution:			Wild fires in BC, WA, ID and Oregon with wind direction can increase air pollution levels in our area, these conditions could continue through today and into the week.
AQI and AQI Category:			Current Conditions: AQI  = 37 in the Good range A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather service due to low humidity and dry conditions, sensitive* people should be cautious and stay indoors. Avoid any outdoor activities until conditions improve. Go to the links on the bottom of this page for more detailed information.   Air quality is expected to remain the same for most of the day. Wind direction could increase smoke in our area, be aware of changing conditions to protect your health this week.
Pollutant (s):			Fine particulate from wild fires smoke
Restrictions in Effect Until:			No open fires due to Stage II Restrictions until further notice
Next Update:			The Advisory will be reassessed as conditions change.
Contact:			Les Higgins(208) 686-8101 or (208) 659 2275
What is the Air Quality Index?
	AQI	Category		Cautionary Statement
	0-50	Good		None
	51-100	Moderate		Sensitive* people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
	101-150	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups		Everyone should limit exertion outdoors.
	151-200	Unhealthy		Everyone should limit exertion.
	201-300	Very Unhealthy		Limit any exertion.
	301-500	Hazardous		Stay indoors and avoid any exertion.
	* Sensitive groups include children, the elderly, those with existing health conditions, and people who have high exposure (those who work, exercise, or spend extensive time out of doors).   For more detailed information about the AQI, visit: https://www.airnow.gov/ For more information on Idaho’s Air Quality visit http://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/ For more information on CDA Tribal Smoke Management, visit https://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/nr/smoke-management/ For more information on CDA Tribe Air Quality visit https://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/nr/air-quality/ For up-to-date air quality monitoring info, visit the Idaho Smoke Blog at idsmoke.blogspot.com http://www.idahofireinfo.com/p/fire-restrictions.html Stage II Fire Restrictions https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:e92fc11c-e661-4fad-8462-91bd8a356f17