Monday, August 17, 2015

Monday, August 17, 2015 - Shasta-Trinity/Six Rivers Complexes - Air Quality Report (Short)

Prepared by Chuck Sams, Dan Chan and Mike Broughton

Forecast conditions represent impacts from smoke.  Contributions from ozone and other pollutants are not reflected.
Smoke Synopsis:
On Sunday, based on 24-hour averages, Hyampom reported “Hazardous” conditions.  Hayfork reported “Very Unhealthy” conditions.  Burnt Ranch, Mad River/Dinsmore and Weaverville reported “Unhealthy” conditions.  Willow Creek, Hoopa, Orleans, and Etna reported “USG” conditions.  However, for a few hours on Sunday, stations in Trinity County measured very high level (i.e.. over 250 µg/m3) of PM2.5 concentration and this usually happens in early afternoon before daytime mixing occurs.  Air quality is not likely to improve before Wednesday when an upper level trough moves through the area. 

Today/Tomorrow:  Smoke dispersion will be limited due to weak transport wind over the area. Smoke will be the worst in early afternoon.  PM2.5 stations in Trinity County may measure very high level of PM2.5 concentration during this time period.  Air quality should improve somewhat after daytime mixing begins.  But, after sunset, air quality will deteriorate until day time mixing begins the following day. 

Wednesday:  Transport wind speed will increase slightly on Wednesday, which may help with smoke dispersion.

Air Quality Outlook:  Shasta-Trinity & Six Rivers Complexes
Site
Monday
August 17, 2015
Tuesday
August 18, 2015
Wednesday
August 19, 2015
Comments
Crescent City
Moderate
USG
Moderate

Gasquet
Moderate
USG
USG

Happy Camp
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate

Etna
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate

Mt. Shasta
Moderate
Good
Moderate

Tulelake
Good
Good
Good

Yreka
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate

Eureka
Moderate
Unhealthy
Moderate
8/17: Heaviest before midnight
8/18: Heaviest late afternoon
Hoopa
USG
Unhealthy
USG
Worst conditions usually occur early afternoon
Mad River/Dinsmore
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
USG
Worst conditions usually occur early afternoon
Orleans
USG
Unhealthy
USG
Worst conditions usually occur early afternoon
Weitchpec
USG
Unhealthy
USG
Worst conditions usually occur early afternoon
Willow Creek
USG
Unhealthy
USG
Worst conditions usually occur early afternoon
Burnt Ranch
USG
Unhealthy
USG
Worst conditions usually occur early afternoon
Hayfork
Very Unhealthy
Hazardous
Hazardous
Worst conditions usually occur early afternoon
Hyampom
Hazardous
Hazardous
Hazardous
Worst conditions usually occur early afternoon
Weaverville
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
Hazardous

Anderson/Redding
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate

Disclaimer: Forecast conditions represent air quality levels affected by fine particulates; contribution from ozone and other pollutants is not reflected.  Conditions may change quickly, these projections are based on anticipated weather and fire activity.  Sensitive groups including individuals with asthma, lung or heart disease, children, older adults, and pregnant women should take precautions to avoid exposure to smoke.  If you feel as though you are having health effects from smoke, see your doctor or health professional as needed.  In some cases your eyes are your best tools. If it is smoky outside, you are being impacted.  Use caution when driving in or around smoky areas.

AQI Index
Actions to Protect Yourself
Good
None
Moderate
Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups - USG
People with heart or lung disease, children and older adults should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.  Everyone else should limit prolonged or heavy exertion.
Unhealthy
The following groups should avoid all physical outdoor activity: People with heart or lung disease, children and older adults.  Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
Very Unhealthy
Everyone should avoid any outdoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should remain indoors.
Hazardous
The following groups should remain indoors and keep activity levels low: People with heart or lung disease; children and older adults. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion

Links:
California Smoke Information Blog - http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/      
North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District http://www.ncuaqmd.org/
Shasta County Air Pollution Control District - http://www.co.shasta.ca.us/index/drm_index/aq_index.aspx
Wildfire Smoke – A Guide for Public Health Official from California Air Resource Board
Wildland Fire Personnel Smoke Exposure Guidebook from National Interagency Fire Center


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