Monday, August 18, 2014

Smoke/Air Quality Outlook for Monday-Wednesday, August 18-20, 2014

Smoke Synopsis:
Warm and dry conditions continue today.  If we see any increase in fire activity, it will most likely be later this afternoon.  There is a chance that the increased winds associated with the cold frontal passage on Tuesday could fire up some smoldering spots, but fire crews continue to work hard to take care of known hot spots.

The Keller smoke monitor was removed from service this morning and is being returned to the cache as smoke impacts continued to decrease. Valleys across north-central Washington are experiencing moderate air quality today due to generally poorer dispersion than we have been seeing.  This is expected to continue until the passage of the cold from on Tuesday afternoon or evening, which should clean out the entire basin – provided no new fires start, which is not anticipated by being watched closely.

Air Quality Outlook:
Site
Monday
August 18, 201

Tuesday
August 19, 2014

Wednesday
August 20, 2014

Comments
Colville
Moderate
Moderate
Good

Wellpinit
Moderate
Moderate
Good

Keller
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate

Omak
Moderate
Moderate
Good

Malott
Good
Good
Good

Brewster
Good
Good
Good

Winthrop
Moderate
Moderate
Good

Twisp
Moderate
Moderate
Good

Chelan
Good
Good
Good

Entiat
Good
Good
Good

Plain
Good
Good
Good

Leavenworth
Good
Moderate
Good

Wenatchee
Good
Good
Good

Ellensburg
Moderate
Moderate
Good

Yakima
Good
Good
Good

For detailed information about the color coded air quality categories, please see:
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 miles
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

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