Sunday, August 31, 2014

Sunday, August 31, 2014 Wildfire Air Quality Summary for the Klamath Region

Yesterday Winds pushed smoke to the northeast throughout the day causing high levels of smoke throughout the Scott and Shasta Valleys, with some impacts in Macdoel and beyond.  Communities located to the west of the fires such as those in the Trinity River drainage, and lower Klamath River drainage had limited smoke impacts.                                

Today Conditions will be similar to yesterday however, expect more smoke in communities to the west of the fires. Smoke will be pushed to the south in the morning hours and to the southeast by mid-afternoon.  Today is forecast to be warmer and drier which may increase fire activity and result in greater smoke production.
                     
Tomorrow A mostly northerly flow will push the smoke to the southward and westward.  This will cause the lower Klamath River drainage, Salmon River drainage to see an increase in smoke.  In addition, stable atmospheric conditions will hinder dispersion and smoke will thicker than previous days.  The Shasta Valley should see improvements in air quality due to the shift in wind directions.
Site
August 30
Yesterday’s AQI
August 31
Today’s AQI
September 1
Predicted AQI
Likely Time of Highest Impacts Today
Yreka
Unhealthy
Moderate
Good
Afternoon/Early Evening
Ft. Jones
Very Unhealthy
Very Unhealthy
Very Unhealthy
Early Afternoon
Etna
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
Late Afternoon/Early Evening
Macdoel
Moderate
Moderate
Good
Afternoon
Seiad Valley
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
Very Unhealthy
Early Afternoon
Happy Camp
Moderate
Unhealthy
Very Unhealthy
Late Morning
Somes Bar
Good
Moderate
USG
Early Afternoon
Orleans
Moderate
USG
Unhealthy
Late Morning/Early Afternoon
Weitchpec
Good
Moderate
USG
Mid-Morning
Hoopa
Moderate*
Moderate
USG
Afternoon
Willow Creek
Good
Good
Moderate
Late Morning/Early Afternoon
Mt. Shasta
Unhealthy
UGS
Moderate
Afternoon
Weed
USG
Moderate
Moderate
Afternoon
Sawyers Bar
Good
Good
Moderate
Late Morning
PLEASE NOTE: The air quality outlook is based on data from automated instruments that have not been subjected to a quality assurance review. AQI’s estimated for sites with air monitors.  *Less than 24 hours of data.
Air Quality Index
Potential Health Impacts
Actions to Reduce Smoke Exposure
Good
Air quality is satisfactory and poses little or no health risk
None
Moderate
Air quality is acceptable for most.  There may be moderate health concern for a very small number of individuals.
Sensitive individuals such as those with heart or lung disease, infants, children, pregnant women, or older adults should limit time spend outdoors and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG)
Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects.  The general public is not likely to be affected.
Everyone should avoid prolonged exposure to smoke.  Sensitive individuals such as those with heart or lung disease, infants, children, pregnant women, or older adults should minimize exposure by staying inside where air is cleaner. 
Unhealthy
Everyone may begin to experience health effects.  These effects may be more serious for sensitive people.
Everyone should limit time spent outdoors and choose non-strenuous indoor activities.  Sensitive individuals such as those with heart or lung disease, infants, children, pregnant women, or older adults should stay indoors where air is clean.
Very Unhealthy
Triggers a health alert meaning everyone may experience more serious health effects
Everyone should limit time spent outdoors and preferably stay indoors where air is clean.   Staying indoors is especially important for sensitive individuals such as those with heart or lung disease, infants, children, pregnant women, or older adults.
Hazardous
Triggers health warnings of emergency conditions.  Everyone is very likely to be affected by serious health effects.
Everyone should avoid all outdoor activity.  Relief from smoke is best accomplished by leaving for cleaner air.  Alternately, remain indoors  where air is clean.

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