JACKSON, Wyo. – A new wildfire burning near Salmon, Idaho grew substantially on Monday due to high winds, and short-range weather models are now projecting smoke from this fire to reach Jackson Hole late Monday night.
The Moose Fire began on Sunday afternoon but quickly grew on Monday, exhibiting extreme fire behavior due to dry and windy conditions. A large smoke plume has developed as of Monday afternoon and is extending into Southwest Montana, gradually shifting southward with a cold front.
The cold front will move into Northwest Wyoming overnight, and smoke from the Moose Fire is expected to arrive with the front and settle into the Jackson Hole Valley.
Air quality is likely to deteriorate through Tuesday morning, but fortunately, this smoke event should end up being short-lived. By Tuesday afternoon, more typical westerly winds are expected to return, which should help to scour out most of the smoke.
Alan Smith, Meteorologist
