FRONT RANGE AIR QUALITY FORECAST:
Wednesday, June 19, 2013, 8:15 AM
Ozone concentration levels on Wednesday are expected to be in the Good to Moderate range. The Moderate concentrations of ozone are possible throughout the Front Range region Wednesday during the afternoon and evening, but are most likely along the foothills from the south and southwest suburbs of Denver northward to Ft. Collins. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion between 2pm and 10pm on Wednesday in these locations.
Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Fine Particulate Matter concentration levels are possible in areas directly impacted by heavy wildfire smoke on Wednesday. In areas not directly affected by smoke from forest fires, fine particulate levels are expected to be in the Good to Moderate category on Wednesday. For additional information on current Wildfire Smoke Health Advisories, see the Colorado Smoke Outlook below.
Carbon Monoxide concentration levels are expected to be in the Good category on Wednesday.
Nitrogen Dioxide concentration levels are expected to be in the Good category on Wednesday.
Visibility in Denver on Wednesday is expected to be Moderate.
COLORADO SMOKE OUTLOOK:
Wednesday, June 19, 2013, 8:30 AM
Public health recommendations for areas affected by smoke:
If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and the elderly. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. IF VISIBILITY IS LESS THAN 5 MILES IN SMOKE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, SMOKE HAS REACHED LEVELS THAT ARE UNHEALTHY.
For additional information about smoke, visit:
http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/wildfire.aspx
WILDFIRE SMOKE HEALTH ADVISORY
Issued for West Fork Fire in Mineral County 15 miles north of Pagosa Springs
Issued at 9:00 AM Wednesday 6/19/13
Affected Area: From the West Fork Wildfire in Mineral County to the northeast including South Fork, Del Norte, Saguache, Howard, Cotopaxi, and also south of the fire to the San Juan and lower Piedra River Valleys including Pagosa Springs and Piedra.
Advisory in Effect: 9:00 AM Wednesday 6/19/13 to 9:00 AM Thursday 6/20/13
Outlook: Moderate to heavy smoke will likely continue through mid to late Wednesday morning in the San Juan and lower Piedra River Valleys, including Pagosa Springs and Piedra before lifting. Moderate to heavy smoke will persist for much of the day just to the northeast of the fire, including South Fork By late Wednesday morning the wind will increase out of the southwest continuing or increasing the threat for moderate to heavy smoke for locations further northeast of the fire including Del Norte, Saguache, Howard and Cotopaxi. Smoke may be visible today as far east as Pueblo and Colorado Springs. By late Wednesday evening the winds will lighten and drainage flow will redevelop producing moderate to heavy smoke again overnight for areas to the south of the fire in the San Juan and lower Piedra River Valleys, including Pagosa Springs and Piedra. Smoke is also likely overnight in some areas to the northeast of the fire, especially from South Fork eastward down the Rio Grande River into the northern San Luis Valley.
SMOKE FROM FIRES
Variable smoke conditions are expected near other wildfires, including the possibility of locally heavy smoke. Larger fires include:
The Black Forest Wildfire north of Colorado Springs. On Wednesday the winds will generally be from a south to southwesterly direction, keeping the highest possibility of light to moderate smoke to the north of the fire.
The Big Meadows Wildfire in Rocky Mountain National Park about 5 miles northeast of Grand Lake. South to southwest winds will redevelop on Wednesday and be quite gusty, so smoke may be visible in Estes Park and perhaps Loveland and Ft. Collins.
The Ward Gulch Wildfire about 10 miles north of Rifle (3 miles north of Rifle Gap). Gusty southwesterly winds will redevelop on Wednesday shifting the focus of smoke back to locations off to the northeast of the fire.
The Lackey Fan and Dark Canyon Wildfire in southeastern Utah. Strong south to southwest winds will redevelop on Wednesday and the Colorado River Valley will again be threatened by smoke impacts, including Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade.
The Wild/Hacking Wildfire in Dinosaur National Monument 23 miles north of Dinosaur. Gusty southwest winds will redevelop on Wednesday spreading smoke to the northeast of the fire.
Light to moderate smoke from various wildfires throughout the Southwest will continue to contribute to background haze throughout Colorado.
For more information on air quality, visit:
http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx
