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The 2014 wildfire season has concluded   The Oregon Smoke Blog has been de-activated until the 2015 wildfire season Thank You!

Race Day Forecast! Best Dam Race 10K!

Looking good today!  Calm winds, fog and light residual smoke can be expected close to the river around the start and initial leg of the course.  This should clear gradually as the sun climbs, the runners head down river, and mid to late-morning breezes begin to drift into the runners' faces. Carpe Diem! Forecast locations/concentrations of maximum smoke impacts: 10 am Saturday, September 27, 2014   1 pm Saturday, September 27, 2014 4 pm Saturday, September 27, 2014

Friday update - Special Forecast for "Best Dam Run 10K" - Estacada area

Clearing skies and light winds Friday night could lead to some fog mixing with residual smoke in the Clackamas River valley, reducing visibility Saturday morning.  As Saturday begins to warm up, smoke/fog is expected to clear from the north, moving up river.  Air quality levels at the start of the race are expected to be in the Moderate range [ Air Quality is acceptable for most. There may be moderate health concern for a small number of sensitive people ] and should improve throughout the day. Below is an air quality chart for Estacada over the last week for comparison with what you may have observed in the area.

Special Forecast for the Best Dam Run 10K

We expect Saturday morning to be a little hazy and smoky at the start line at 10 am, clearing gradually as the runners/walkers continue north along the race route.  As always, use your best judgement to determine if conditions are favorable for your planned level of exertion. Smoke forecasts for the areas of highest impact are presented below - darker colors indicating the highest concentration of smoke.  Models are calling for improved conditions along the race route for Saturday morning, but some residual smoke may still be present in the river valley. 3 pm Thursday, September 25, 2014   8 am Friday, September 26, 2014   8 am Saturday, September 27, 2014 Noon Saturday, September 27, 2014

36 Pit Fire - Smoke and Air Quality Report for 9/25/14

36 Pit Fire Smoke and Air Quality Report for 9/25/14 So we had our rain and that has moderated fire activity greatly. HOWEVER, large fuels in the forest continue to smolder; smoke will still be produced, noticeable primarily as a general haziness in the skies rather than as a distinct smoke plume.  Air quality in the areas 10-20 miles around the fire are still expected to be at Moderate levels, and may reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups at some times, particularly early to mid-mornings, clearing some by afternoon. 36 Pit Fire Report (prepared by Mike Broughton, Air Resource Advisor)­­­­ Air Quality Outlook   (Particulate Matter less than 2.5 µm in diameter) Site Thursday Afternoon Sept 25, 2014 Thursday night Sept 25, 2014 Friday Sept 26, 2014 Saturday Sept 27, 2014 Estacada, Springwater, Dodge Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Deception Fire - Air Quality Report & Outlook for Wednesday 9/24/14

Deception Fire Air Quality Report & Outlook for Wednesday 9/24/14 Clean air dominated on Tuesday night.  Air quality in the Westfir/Deception Creek and Oakridge area had readings in the “ GOOD ” range. Tuesday, the Westfir/Deception Creek and Oakridge monitors had readings in the “ GOOD ” range.  Most of the smoke stayed above ground level though occasionally, one could smell smoke in both communities. Today’s rain, which started in the early morning hours, will mitigate fire behavior and less smoke will be produced. The air quality is expected to be GOOD ” today , tonight and tomorrow. Smoke is still being produced on the fire from the smoldering of large logs, stumps and organic material on the forest floor.  But the rain will assist in the continued mop-up efforts on the fire. Smoke forecasts are dependent on predicted fire growth and weather.   If conditions change unexpectedly, impacts could occur. Deception

36 Pit Fire Smoke and Air Quality Report for 9/24/14

36 Pit Fire Smoke and Air Quality Report for 9/24/14 Rain, over 68,000,000 gallons of it spread out over the fire thus far today (and it’s only 8 am and there’s more coming)!  Some smoke will still be produced, but no significant air quality impacts are expected over the forecast period. 36 Pit Fire Report (prepared by Mike Broughton, Air Resource Advisor)­­­­ Air Quality Outlook   (Particulate Matter less than 2.5 µm in diameter) Site Wednesday Sept 24, 2014 Wednesday night Sept 24, 2014 Thursday Sept 25, 2014 Friday Sept 26, 2014 Estacada, Springwater, Dodge Good Good to Moderate Good Good Hwy 26 Corridor (Sandy to Rhododendron) Good Good Good Good Molalla Good Good Good Good Willamette Valley Good Good Good Go