Southeastern Utah is under a hazardous smoke alert as thick wildfire smoke drifts north from Arizona, blanketing popular recreation areas including Lake Powell, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Capitol Reef National Park through at least Saturday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, dense, near-surface smoke from Arizona’s Dragon Bravo and White Sage wildfires is expected to sharply reduce air quality and visibility, creating potentially dangerous conditions for residents, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Smoke Reduces Visibility to Under 2 Miles in Some Areas
The smoke is already impacting visibility across southern and central Utah. Forecasters warn that in areas along key travel routes—including near Hanksville, Bullfrog, and Kanab—visibility may drop to less than 2 miles, especially during the early morning and evening hours when atmospheric conditions trap smoke near the ground.
Communities near the San Rafael Swell, Escalante, Glen Canyon, and Torrey could see air quality levels degrade to “unhealthy” or even “very unhealthy” for sensitive groups, depending on wind direction and smoke concentration.
Health Officials Urge Caution
The Utah Department of Environmental Quality and local health agencies are urging residents and visitors to take the smoke threat seriously. Those most at risk include:
- People with asthma, COPD, or other lung conditions
- Older adults
- Children
- Pregnant individuals
- People with heart disease
Public Safety Recommendations Include:
- Limiting time outdoors, especially during peak smoke periods
- Keeping windows and doors closed
- Using air purifiers or HEPA filters
- Wearing N95 masks if outdoor exposure is unavoidable
- Avoiding strenuous exercise or activity outside
Read Also: Emmet County Weekend Forecast Calls for Humidity, Rain, and Some Sun
Lake Powell Boaters and Drivers Warned
On Lake Powell, boaters are advised to prepare for sharply reduced visibility, especially in the early morning hours or narrow canyons. Officials suggest delaying recreational boating or hiking excursions in exposed areas until air conditions improve.
Motorists should also use extra caution, particularly in areas prone to dense smoke and reduced visibility. Check the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Road Weather Information System for real-time traffic and visibility alerts before traveling.
Conditions May Persist or Worsen
The smoke is expected to remain in the region through Saturday night, with only minor improvement expected unless the wildfires in Arizona begin to diminish.
If those fires intensify or if wind conditions shift unfavorably, additional air quality alerts or visibility warnings could be issued by the National Weather Service and Utah’s Division of Air Quality.
Travelers, campers, and outdoor workers should monitor conditions closely and adjust plans as needed guage.
