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Air Quality Report September 12, 2014



Yesterday, fire operations designed to protect the northern and western perimeters continued, due to strong East winds.  Active fire behavior within the interior produced a lot of emissions; however, with good ventilation smoke dispersed to the west.  Residual smoke flowed down drainage and pooled in the valley causing elevated PM concentrations Friday morning.  The Westfir and Oakridge, monitors recorded unhealthy for sensitive groups to moderate levels of PM over night and early morning PM levels for a short period. By midafternoon today, air quality improves to the good range.  The forecast for a weaker inversion then night before, and with winds a bit faster smoke will not accumulate in low laying areas. Air quality will start to improve after the morning inversion breaks.
Today’s smoke will transport to the north-northeast with the winds transitioning to the south to southwest.  With the combination of warmer temperatures and dry conditions, there is a chance of increase emission production; however, with high mixing heights and strong transport winds, we can expect good smoke dispersion. We forecast the morning air quality to reach “Moderate” in Westfir as smoke vents down the Deception Creek drainage, and “Moderate” for Oakridge.  Smoke should clear after winds increase with inversion break. Lake Waldo could see light haze Friday as the winds swing to the southwest.

Air Quality Forecast for Friday (Particulate Matter less than 2.5 µm in diameter)

Site
Friday Morning
Sep 12, 2014
Friday Afternoon
Sep 12, 2014
Friday Evening
Sep 12, 2014
Oakridge
Moderate
Good
Moderate
Westfir
Moderate
Good
Moderate
Dexter
Moderate
Good
Moderate

 

24-Hour Average PM2.5 concentrations from Deception Complex
for September 12, 1024