Thursday, August 20, 2015

Thursday August 20, 2015 - Smoke Report - Shasta-Trinity/Six Rivers Fire Complexes

Thursday August 20, 2015

Shasta-Trinity & Six Rivers Complexes                                                                         Mike Broughton
Forecast conditions represent impacts from smoke.  Contributions from ozone and other pollutants are not reflected.
Smoke Synopsis:
A weak low pressure trough is moving through the northwest, bringing with it an increase in onshore flow at and near the coast and slightly better smoke dispersion over inland areas.  While this is not expected to be significant enough to clear out the extremely impacted valleys, most areas should see at least some minor improvement in air quality, especially during afternoon hours today and Friday as smoke drifts more to the east.  High pressure is expected to develop on Saturday, with a shift in smoke transport to the west early Saturday morning, then shifting again to send smoke to the northeast late Saturday into Monday.

Again, coastal sections will experience a more typical marine influence, again keeping smoke out of the immediate areas but may present a visibility problem on roads where the moist marine air may mix with inland valley smoke.  The deep inland valleys are still expected to remain impacted with dense smoke through the next couple days, although there has been some relief in the Hoopa area, but still Very Unhealthy in the valleys further south.  Hazy, smoky skies should be expected the next couple days, even in areas where the actual air quality is not unhealthy.

Fire behavior remains moderately active, and may pick up a bit today and Friday as the ventilation improves.
Air Quality Outlook:  Shasta-Trinity & Six Rivers Complexes
Site
Thursday
August 20, 2015
Friday
August 21, 2015
Saturday
August 22, 2015
Comments
Crescent City
Moderate
Good
Good
May be a couple hours of poor air quality in the morning before improving before noon.
Gasquet
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate

Happy Camp
Unhealthy
USG
USG

Etna
Unhealthy
USG
USG

Mt. Shasta
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate

Tulelake
Moderate
Good
Good

Yreka
USG
Moderate
Good 

Eureka
Moderate
Good
Good
Reduced visibility is possible on inland valley roads where smoke and coastal moisture mix.
Hoopa
Unhealthy
USG
USG

Mad River/Dinsmore
Very Unhealthy
Very Unhealthy
Unhealthy
Improving conditions possible Friday afternoon.
Orleans
USG
USG
Unhealthy
Improving conditions possible Friday afternoon.
Weitchpec
USG
USG
 Unhealthy
Improving conditions possible Friday afternoon.
Willow Creek
Very Unhealthy
Very Unhealthy
Very Unhealthy
Improving conditions possible Friday afternoon.
Burnt Ranch
Very Unhealthy
Very Unhealthy
Very Unhealthy
Improving conditions possible Friday afternoon.
Hayfork
Hazardous
Very Unhealthy
Very Unhealthy
Improving conditions possible Friday afternoon.
Hyampom
Hazardous
Very Unhealthy
Very Unhealthy
Improving conditions possible Friday afternoon.
Weaverville
Very Unhealthy
Very Unhealthy
Very Unhealthy
Improving conditions possible Friday afternoon.
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
Smoke Monitoring Information - http://smoke.airfire.org/monitoring/#/
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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