Smoke situation in Colorado

AtenJones · Aug 21, 2018

Was planning on heading out on Friday for our OTC archery hunt. Depending on how the drive goes, we have two areas in mind - either the Mt. Zirkle area, near Steamboat - or the West Elks. Any idea what the smoke situation is like in either of those spots? The West Elks adds on about 3-4 more hours to the trip - but it may be worth it if there is a difference in air quality.

Thanks!

rideold · Aug 21, 2018

Take a look at https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=topics.smoke_wildfires. It's hard to make a call since the conditions vary day to day. The front range was under a pretty heavy blanket yesterday but is clearing today. The biggest impact locally is the bull draw fire (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6059) but much of what we had yesterday was from national scale smoke drift.

Try some web cams for towns near where you want to go.

AvidIndoorsman · Aug 21, 2018

Buddy in Steamboat says it has been much better recently, there will likely be some smoke... but given the fires nationally there will probably be some just about everywhere in CO right now.

FlatlandHunter · Aug 22, 2018

I will be heading to Mt. Zirkle area for ML and leaving on Labor Day for the drive and some scouting. Good luck and post back on how the air quality is I will be backpacking in.

AtenJones said:
Was planning on heading out on Friday for our OTC archery hunt. Depending on how the drive goes, we have two areas in mind - either the Mt. Zirkle area, near Steamboat - or the West Elks. Any idea what the smoke situation is like in either of those spots? The West Elks adds on about 3-4 more hours to the trip - but it may be worth it if there is a difference in air quality.

Thanks!

AtenJones · Aug 22, 2018

FlatlandHunter said:
I will be heading to Mt. Zirkle area for ML and leaving on Labor Day for the drive and some scouting. Good luck and post back on how the air quality is I will be backpacking in.

Will do! I'm sending you a PM, too.

waygoner · Aug 22, 2018

Gunnison has been smoky for a few weeks. Bad enough that I can smell it when I step outside. I suspect most is coming from the Bull Draw fire.

wytex · Aug 22, 2018

Some rain lately in southern Wyo and northern Colorado has helped up here some.

WildWill · Aug 22, 2018

Anyone know the smoke conditions around Durango?

Zach · Aug 22, 2018

WildWill said:
Anyone know the smoke conditions around Durango?

I was in Pagosa Springs a few weeks ago, didn't really smell or see smoke. But then maybe I've just become used to those 2 things.

CATAHOULA12 · Aug 25, 2018

Smoke from the fires has been off and on in the northern part of state depending on wind direction. Clear on days and others can’t see the mountain in front of you.

archerfish · Aug 25, 2018

We have been choking along the front range here in Colorado of late. We just need a little front to push through and all that goes away for a few days, at least. If it blows, either elkheads or zirkels should be clear, no too far between as the crow flies. It has been mostly cool here the last week. wish you success

HighDesertSage · Aug 25, 2018

Gunnison/Crested Butte have been pretty smoky. Today wasn't as bad. It can't believe it, but the leaves are starting to change already.

I could tell hunting season had started today because all the private fields had hundreds of elk show up overnight, LMAO, gotta love OTC.

Mason326 · Aug 27, 2018

No smoke in the Mid-Sangres this weekend

Smoke situation in Colorado

AtenJones

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