Caldor Fire Smoke Outlook for September 2, 2021

Published:

Fire
210,259 acres, 25% contained. Yesterday, the SW winds continued to push the active fire edge to the east. Today the fire will get a break from high winds, but the hot and dry air mass above will remain through the weekend. Around noon the nighttime inversion will lift, increasing the opportunity for occasional crown fire runs and short range spotting. Those traveling along HWY 50 can expect to see occasional smoke plumes rising above the area haze as the fire gets into new pockets of fuel.

Smoke
Surface winds will lighten up today as a stable high pressure system moves into the fire area. Expect to see cleaner air this morning in all locations. Unfortunately the relief is limited in duration. As the high pressure system moves in, it will slow the lift and movement of smoke. This will cause a return of heavy smoke in the Tahoe Basin. Communities of South Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Tahoma, Minden and Gardnerville can expect increasing impacts and limited visibility on roadways in the late afternoon. As the air cools and moves down canyon in the late evening, expect to see smoke pooling into the American River valley towards Placerville and Sacramento. Locations south of the fire will see the Good air quality throughout the entire day. Potential for stagnant air over the next few days will restrict the movement of smoke, limiting the periods of relief throughout the Tahoe Basin.

Health and Safety
Reduce how much smoke you inhale. Reduce Your Exposure

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