Haze Over California Skies

In response to questions about poor visibility aloft the Air Resources Board today issued the following advisory:
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For immediate release

Date
Release Number
98-19

Contacts

Gennet Osborn
Public Information Office
(916) 322-2990

Although today it is a no burn day above 3,000 feet in California, there have been numerous complaints about airborne haze, spreading from Shasta County through the Great Basin (Alpine, Mono and Inyo counties). According to Air Resources Board meteorologists, for the past three days air flow from Canada has brought smoke from controlled fires in Idaho, Washington and Oregon into California and then back into eastern Oregon and Nevada.

        The state of Idaho is in the midst of its annual prescribed burns for forest fire control. As part of that program, Boise National Forest officials have burned about 10,000 acres since April 20, including about 1,500 acres yesterday. They expect to burn another 10,000 acres over the next two weeks.

        In addition, satellite photos show dust residue from as far as China may be having a minor effect on Northern California visibility (see attached satellite photos). ARB meteorologists expect improved conditions within the next week.

CARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The CARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.