Smoke Update for Central Washington

Wenatchee continues to experience smoke from ongoing activity at the Labor Mountain Fire, which has burned 41,418 acres and is currently 20% contained. Air quality sensors in the valley are reporting UNHEALTHY conditions. In contrast, the Lower Sugarloaf Fire, now at 42,955 acres and 90% contained, is producing less smoke as containment improves.

7 Day AQI for Wenatchee (solid line) and Yakima (dashed line), Department of Ecology 

This weekend, a mix of snow and rain is expected over the Cascade Mountains. The Wildcat Fire area could see 1–2 inches of snow, while Labor Mountain and Lower Sugarloaf are likely to receive less than an inch. Higher relative humidity and moisture may provide some relief to Wenatchee Valley and surrounding areas by dampening fire activity. In Yakima, air quality has steadily improved since Monday. Snow and rain over the Wildcat Fire, along with increased winds and light showers, are expected to further improve air quality through the weekend.

48 snow accumulation (inches) this weekend, and active NIFC fires, NOAA DESI

Air quality alerts for Chelan and Douglas counties have been reinstated until further notice. Another update on the blog will be provided next week as air quality evolves following the wet weather.

Tactical firing operations along Highway 97 near Labor Mountain Fire, Inciweb