Smoke on the Move

This morning's satellite image showcases two impressive narrow bands of smoke moving across the state:

GOES-WEST satellite image 13 Aug 2025 15:36Z

The northernmost plume is smoke from the Mount Underwood Fire on Vancouver Island, while smoke from the Bear Gulch Fire is drifting across the middle of the state. 

This morning, a fascinating wave-like pattern formed as smoke from the Bear Gulch Fire drifted above Snoqualmie Pass:

Smoke from the Bear Gulch Fire drifts over Snoqualmie Pass. Courtesy DNR/Pano.

A large pyrocumulus cloud was also visible above the Bear Gulch Fire. These "fire clouds" form over large heat sources due to intense upward vertical motion of air cooling and condensing as it rises.

Pyrocumulus over the Bear Gulch Fire. Courtesy DNR/Pano.

Although most of the smoke is above us in the atmosphere, it's currently contributing to moderate air quality in Central Washington and hazy skies throughout the state. Winds should continue pushing the smoke to the east today. 

Rain remains in the forecast, arriving in Western Washington Thursday evening before spreading east through Saturday--great news for dampening fire activity and reducing smoke impacts across the state.