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8/29/25: Air Quality Report for NE Oregon and surrounding areas


Air Quality Report    
Issued    Saturday August 29, 2015
NE Oregon, SE Washington and W Central Idaho                              
Prepared by:  Greg Johnson, Air Resource Advisor
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Baker City, OR

High winds along with variable cloudiness and even a scattered light rain shower will accompany the major frontal passage over the region today.  Smoke production could be significant if fire behavior ramps up this afternoon.  This morning, all 4 major fires of interest in this area (Eagle, Grizzly Bear, Canyon Creek and Teepee Springs) are active, and fire spread in high winds this afternoon is a major concern.  Winds will shift from mostly southerly to mostly westerly through the day, reaching Idaho this evening.  Nighttime smoke in valleys downwind from these fires could be significant today and tonight, and possibly on succeeding nights as well.  Sunday will feature clouds and even some showers and the coolest weather in several months.  This should put some damper on fire activity, though afternoon winds will still be moderate.  Smoke from fires early next week could be highly variable and dependent on fire activity the next 24 hours.  The weather should be dry and much calmer Monday and Tuesday, along with very cool nights and average daytimes.  Air quality is expected to be much improved in most areas compared to recent weeks.
Air Quality Outlook:
Site
Saturday
August 29

Sunday
August 30

Monday
August 31

Comments
Baker City
Moderate
Good
Good
Some smoke from Canyon Ck fire today
Elgin
Moderate
Good
Good
Some smoke from Canyon Ck fire today
Enterprise/Joseph
Moderate
Good
Good
Some Grizzly Bear smoke possible at night
Halfway
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Very clear air during day; some Eagle fire smoke at night and mornings
La Grande
Moderate
Good
Good
Some smoke from Canyon Ck fire today
Lewiston ID/Clarkston WA
Unhealthy
Moderate
Moderate
Idaho smoke this morning will clear in afternoon; some Grizzly Bear smoke nights
McCall ID
Good
Good
Good
Teepee Springs fire smoke possible nights
Ontario/Payette ID
Good
Moderate
Moderate
Some Canyon Ck smoke possible Sun and Mon
Pendleton
Good
Good
Good

Riggins ID
Unhealthy
Moderate
Moderate
Clearing later today; Teepee Springs smoke possible nights
Troy
Very Unhealthy
USG
Moderate
Grizzly Bear fire smoke significant this afternoon; decreasing thereafter
Vale
Good
Moderate
Moderate
Some Canyon Ck smoke possible Sun and Mon
Walla Walla WA
Good
Good
Good

Weiser ID
Good
Moderate
Moderate
Some Canyon Ck smoke possible Sun and Mon

AQI Index
Actions to Protect Yourself
Good
Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
Moderate
Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people. For example, people who are unusually sensitive to ozone may experience respiratory symptoms.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups - USG
Although general public is not likely to be affected at this AQI range, people with lung disease, older adults and children are at a greater risk from exposure to ozone, whereas persons with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from the presence of particles in the air
Unhealthy           
Everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and members of the sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.
Very Unhealthy

This would trigger a health alert signifying that everyone may experience more serious health effects.
Hazardous
This would trigger a health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.
Links:
   Oregon Smoke Information:   http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/
   AirNow:  www.airnow.gov
   Idaho Smoke Information:  http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/
   Washington Smoke Information:  http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

 
Warning: These data have been obtained from automated instruments and have not been subjected to a quality assurance review to determine their accuracy. They are presented for public awareness and should not be considered final. Conditions such as power outages and equipment malfunctions can produce invalid data.

1 Since wildfires often occur in remote areas, air monitoring equipment may not be available. The following table provides a quick method to assess air quality in your area. For more detailed information you can go to the following site: http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/burning/wildfires/visibility.htm
Using the 5-3-1 Visibility Index
Distance you can see*
Your are:

You have:
·  An adult
·  A teenager
·  An older child
·  Age 65 and over
·  Pregnant
·  A young child
OR
·  Asthma
·  Respiratory illness
·  Lung or heart disease
5 miles
check visibility
minimize outdoor activity
3 miles
minimize outdoor activity
stay inside
1 mile
stay inside
stay inside
No matter how far you can see, if you feel like you are having health effects from smoke exposure, take extra care to stay inside or get to an area with better air quality.  You should also see your doctor or other health professional as needed.
* less reliable under high humidity conditions