While there have been some reductions in smoke over the last 24 hours, Colorado is not completely in the clear just yet. Smoke from several wildfires burning in the state will continue to impact air quality on Friday.
First off, smoke from the the Stone Canyon Fire and Alexander Mountain Fire will continue to impact the Northern Front Range Region. Locations nearby and downwind of the fires will see the heaviest smoke today. The good news is, the Quarry Fire is putting out less smoke this morning, and particulate concentrations have decreased in the southwest Denver Metro.
Zooming out to the rest of the Front Range, there have been some improvements since yesterday at this time. Moderate smoke still remains throughout the northern Front Range Region, and is expected to remain moderate for the rest of today. However, thunderstorms are expected to develop Friday afternoon, which brings some uncertainty into the equation. On one hand, gusty winds help to scour out some smoke, but on the other, wind can contribute to fire growth and smoke production.
Next, smoke from the fires burning on the Front Range has moved west into north-central Colorado. Light smoke is present this morning, including Steamboat Springs and Walden. Smoke is expected to dissipate this afternoon as daytime atmospheric mixing picks up, but could increase again this evening, depending on the fire behavior today. For those unusually sensitive to smoke, you may consider reducing your time outdoors today.
Finally, the Bucktail Fire is burning in Montrose County, approximately 5 miles northeast of Nucla. An Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke is in effect for Montrose County, and has been extended until 9 am Saturday. CDPHE is monitoring this fire and will provide updates as necessary.
Plume from the Bucktail Fire on Thursday afternoon. Image Courtesy of San Miguel Sheriff's office.
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