Yesterday, fire operations designed to protect the northern and western
perimeters continued, due to strong East winds. Active fire behavior within the interior
produced a lot of emissions; however, with good ventilation smoke dispersed to
the west. Residual smoke flowed down
drainage and pooled in the valley causing elevated PM concentrations Friday morning.
The Westfir and Oakridge, monitors
recorded unhealthy for sensitive groups to moderate levels of PM over night and
early morning PM levels for a short period. By midafternoon today, air quality
improves to the good range. The forecast
for a weaker inversion then night before, and with winds a bit faster smoke
will not accumulate in low laying areas. Air quality will start to improve after
the morning inversion breaks.
Today’s smoke will transport to the north-northeast
with the winds transitioning to the south to southwest. With the combination of warmer temperatures and
dry conditions, there is a chance of increase emission production; however, with
high mixing heights and strong transport winds, we can expect good smoke dispersion.
We forecast the morning air quality to reach “Moderate”
in Westfir as smoke vents down the Deception Creek drainage, and “Moderate” for Oakridge. Smoke should clear after winds increase with
inversion break. Lake Waldo could see light haze Friday as the winds swing to
the southwest.Air Quality Forecast for Friday (Particulate Matter less than 2.5 µm in diameter)
|
Site
|
Friday Morning
Sep 12, 2014
|
Friday Afternoon
Sep 12, 2014
|
Friday Evening
Sep 12, 2014
|
|
Oakridge
|
Moderate
|
Good
|
Moderate
|
|
Westfir
|
Moderate
|
Good
|
Moderate
|
|
Dexter
|
Moderate
|
Good
|
Moderate
|
24-Hour Average PM2.5 concentrations from Deception Complex
for September 12, 1024
