Yesterday, September 2, 2013
The Rim Fire grew approximately 1,700 acres, to a total size of 232,783 acres. Burnout operations on the northern and southern portions of the fire continued with success through the night. Southwest transport winds returned smoke to the communities northeast of the fire, including Pinecrest, Bear Valley, Markleeville, Minden, Carson City, and the Lake Tahoe Basin, and returned clearer skies to Sonora, the Yosemite Valley, El Portal, and the San Joaquin Valley.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Smoke will again have the heaviest impacts to communities to the northeast and in the immediate fire area in the morning hours such as Pinecrest, Bear Valley, Tuolumne City, Markleeville, South Lake Tahoe, Carson City, and Minden. Morning inversions could be stronger and slower to break, but otherwise atmospheric conditions will be very similar to yesterday. All areas should see their best air quality in the afternoon except perhaps Pinecrest. Daytime transport winds will remain southwesterly, reducing impacts to the Yosemite Valley, El Portal, and the San Joaquin Valley.
Wednesday, Spetember 4, 2013
Southwest transport winds and good dispersion conditions will continue today. This should keep air quality in the Yosemite Valley and areas south of the fire in the good to moderate range. Areas north and northeast of the fire, including the Lake Tahoe Basin, and Washoe and Carson valleys will see similar impacts. Communities within the immediate fire area will continue to see smoke from morning inversions.
Long term Outlook
Southwest winds will continue thru Friday, then another period of northwest winds is likely through the weekend and possibly into next week. Smoke production from the Rim fire is still likely by then, so the Yosemite and San Joaquin Valleys could again see air quality impacts