Denver/Boulder, CO

Weather Forecast Office

Colorado Smoke Dispersal and Ventilation Rates

This smoke management and dispersal page is intended for prescribed fire use. For general smoke forecasts for the state of Colorado, click here.

Smoke dispersal is categorized by using the Ventilation Rate. Ventilation Rate forecasts for a specific point can be found using the Fire Weather Dashboard below. Click a spot on the map and scroll down to find daily and hourly Ventilation Rate values for the next few days.

Fire Weather Dashboard

The link above is configured to display smoke dispersal categories as shown here:

Ventilation Rate = Transport Wind (kts) x Mixing Height (ft)

MAPPED SMOKE MANAGEMENT GRAPHICS

Smoke Dispersion / Vent Rate Forecast

Mixing Height Forecast

Transport Wind Forecast

****Request A Spot, Click Here****

Smoke Dispersion Forecast

Valid Times of these graphics change throughout the day and are displayed at the top of each graphic.

First 3 Hours	3-6 Hours

6-9 Hours	9-12 Hours

12-15 Hours	15-18 Hours

18-21 Hours	21-24 Hours

24-27 Hours	27-30 Hours

30-33 Hours	36-39 Hours

39-42 Hours	42-45 Hours

TOP

Mixing Height Forecast

Valid Times of these graphics change throughout the day and are displayed at the top of each graphic.

First 3 Hours	3-6 Hours

6-9 Hours	9-12 Hours

12-15 Hours	15-18 Hours

18-21 Hours	21-24 Hours

24-27 Hours	27-30 Hours

30-33 Hours	33-36 Hours

36-39 Hours

TOP

Transport Wind Forecast

Valid Times of these graphics change throughout the day and are displayed at the top of each graphic.

First 3 Hours	3-6 Hours

6-9 Hours	9-12 Hours

12-15 Hours	15-18 Hours

18-21 Hours	21-24 Hours

24-27 Hours	27-30 Hours

30-33 Hours	33-36 Hours

36-39 Hours	39-42 Hours

42-45 Hours	45-48 Hours

48-51 Hours	51-54 Hours

54-57 Hours	57-60 Hours

60-63 Hours	63-66 Hours

TOP

Additional Smoke Dispersion Forecasts and Resources

ESRL HRRR Smoke Model - High Resolution Loop of Modeled PM 2.5 Concentration
NIFC Smoke Management Page - Tools, Resources, and Regulations regarding smoke management
WFDSS Integrated Tools Smoke and Dispersion Page (FCAMMS Home)
- FCAMMS PM 2.5 Concentration Forecast Loop - Moderate Resolution Loop of Model PM 2.5 Concentration for the Rocky Mountain Region
- FCAMMS Mixing Height Forecast Loop - Loop of NAM Model Mixing Height for the Rocky Mountain Region
- FCAMMS Vent Rate and Transport Wind Forecast Loop - Loop of NAM Model Vent. Rate and Transport Wind
AIRNOW - Current Air Quality

Colorado Smoke Dispersal and Ventilation Rates

** Fire Weather Dashboard **

Fire Weather Dashboard