Fortunately there are no Red Flag Warnings currently in effect across Colorado. Last week the wildfires exploded due to the hot, dry, and windy conditions which also transported smoke long distances across the state. The current situation is different: hot temperatures, less wind, and more afternoon thunderstorms. The heavy smoke focus has shifted to areas in close vicinity to the fires.
Starting with the Willow fire in Lake County near Leadville, the short-term news is encouraging. Afternoon thunderstorms with plenty of cloud cover has decreased fire activity and smoke production. Air quality is either good or moderate this morning in Leadville southward to the Twin Lakes area. The air quality advisory for Lake County will be allowed to expire at 9am Thursday. However, it should be noted that the fire is neither contained or out yet. This means that conditions could deteriorate again, particuarly for the upcoming weekend as the weather heats up and dries out again. Stay tuned if you reside or will be travelling to the Leadville/Twin Lakes area this weekend.
The Aspen Acres fire remains active near the Pueblo/Custer county line and has produced heavy smoke for nearby areas. The town of Beulah has been particularly hard hit, and there is anticipation that the southern end of the fire could become more active in the next few days. Residents in Rye and Colorado City should prepare for worsening air quality conditions. An air quality health advisory will remain active for this area through at least Friday morning.
Heading to the southwestern part of the state, the Gold Mountain fire and the Ferris fire are both producing local impacts. Some of the heaviest smoke around the state Thursday morning is in areas to the north of the Gold Mountain fire in northern Ouray County and spreading into eastern Montrose County. The town of Montrose has been blanketed with smoke recently. Fortunately some relief did arrive yesterday, but it appears that there will still be some lingering smoke around during the mornings as long as the Gold Mountain fire remains active. This will also be the case for communities along Highway 550 south of Montrose to Ridgway Reservoir, including Eldredge, Colona, and Vernal.
Moderate to heavy smoke can also be expected near the Ferris fire, though fortunately it appears most of the heavy morning smoke is draining straight into McPhee Reservoir which minimizes public health impacts. Keep in mind that downwind smoke impacts will be possible to the east and southeast of both the Gold Mountain and Ferris fires Thursday afternoon and evening, so remain alert to rapidly changing air quality conditions today in Telluride, Silverton, and Lake City. An air quality health advisory will remain in effect through at least Friday morning for all of these areas in southwestern Colorado.
No comments:
Post a Comment