Air Quality Forecast-NE Washington Regional Fires- Monday September 14, 2015

Air Quality Forecast-NE Washington Regional Fires- Monday September 14, 2015

Prepared by Mark Fitch (mfitch@nps.gov), Air Resource Advisor & Carolyn Kelly (ckelly8384@gmail.com), Air Resource Advisor Trainee

Smoke Summary: The high pressure that dominated the weather the last few days gave way to a cold front Sunday afternoon.  The passing dry cold front will bring much cooler temperatures and breezy conditions and there is a chance of rain by Wednesday. Upper air winds are forecasted to increase helping transport smoke out of the local area. Fires remain active Monday, as firefighters work to contain open lines.  Air quality will range anywhere from good to unhealthy for sensitive groups in the morning hours, improving in late afternoon to early evening. The North Star is at 215,406 acres, Tunk Block 163,096 acres, Okanogan Complex 133,142 acres. Caution: Potential smoke on highway 21, expected to clear by the afternoon; use caution. Extended Outlook:  Cooler temperatures and with a slight raise in nighttime humidity is expected to continue through early this week.  Moderate instability may increase fire activity and smoke. *Monitoring stations for Tonasket, Orient, and Kettle Falls have been shut down due to machine malfunction as of 09/10/2015.       **The Republic monitor has been replaced**
Site	Air Quality			Comments
	September 13 Sunday	September 14 Monday	September 15 Tuesday
Spokane Metro	Good	Good	Good	Smoke from burnout activities on local fires may affect nearby communities.  Air quality is expected to improve by the afternoon, as the winds increase.
Davenport	Good	Good	Good
Colville	Good	Good	Good
Kettle Falls*	Good	Good	Good
Wellpinit	Good	Good	Good
Orient*	Moderate	Good	Good
Inchelium	Moderate	Good	Good
Omak	Moderate	Moderate	Good	Early morning hours may be in the USG range but expect good to moderate depending on local winds.  Light winds will suppress smoke transport. Expect local valleys to contain dense smoke conditions but improving during but, with hazy conditions through the day.
Nespelem	USG	Moderate	Moderate
Republic**	USG	Moderate	Good
Tonasket*	Moderate	Good	Good
Disclaimer: Conditions may change quickly. These predictions are based on anticipated weather and fire activity.  The air quality outlook is based on data from automated instruments that have not been subjected to a quality assurance review. AQI’s estimated for sites with air monitors.

Webcam in Republic WA: http://rcabletv.com/cam_republic.html

For information on what each Air Quality Index color code means, click on the “Smoke and Health” tab above.