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Apr 29

The Spring Edition of the Crater Chronical is here! Written by NWS staff for everyone we help support to stay up to date with weather knowledge and going-ons around NWS Medford. weather.gov/media/mfr/spri

Storms may be slow moving today causing heavy rain and flash flooding possible. More info at forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtg #TurnAroundDontDrown #ORWx #CAWx

A photo on the left of a debris flow covering a washed out roadway next to a river. The right side of the infographic displays the following text: Storms may move slowly this afternoon and evening, leading to periods of heavy rain and possible flash flooding. This includes the possibility for creaks and streams to rise out of their banks and for low-lying areas becoming flooded. These storms may also trigger debris flows near the Archie Creek and South Obenchain burn scars. Other areas included are eastern Douglas, northeast Jackson, northern Klamath, and northwest Lake Counties. The valid time for the watch is 3 PM through 10 PM this evening. Never attempt to cross a flooded road on foot or in a vehicle. Pay attention for rocks and debris flows on roads, and if you see flash flooding, call us or let us know on social media.

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Thunderstorms expected today. When thunder roars, go indoors! #ORWx #CAWx #TStorms #WeDoGetWeatherHere #WePromise More info at weather.gov/medford

A photo on the left of a debris flow covering a washed out roadway next to a river. The right side displays the following text: Storms may move slowly this afternoon and evening, leading to periods of heavy rain and possible flash flooding. This includes the possibility for creaks and streams to rise out of their banks and for low-lying areas becoming flooded. These storms may also trigger debris flows near the Archie Creek and South Obenchain burn scars. Other areas included are eastern Douglas, northeast Jackson, northern Klamath, and northwest Lake Counties. The valid time for the watch is 3 PM through 10 PM this evening. Never attempt to cross a flooded road on foot or in a vehicle. Pay attention for rocks and debris flows on roads, and if you see flash flooding, call us or let us know on social media.

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We are happy about this, too!

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Matt Hoffman

@matthoffmanwx

Welp, it’s sure not a pond anymore! Seeing Emigrant Lake like this again makes me so happy!

May 13

Don't let the warm temps fool you. Area rivers and lakes remain cold. Cold water can quickly become life threatening. Be ready for the unexpected and always wear your life jacket. #orwx #cawx #pleasewearit #safeboating

Oregon State Marine Board

May 13

River and lakes remain cold out there. Take precautions if you are venturing out and recreating at area waterways. Cold water can quickly become life threatening. Swift currents underneath the waters surface may surprise swimmers. Always wear a life jacket. #orwx #cawx

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@Boat_Oregon

If you plan on going boating during this latest heat spell, be prepared for lots of woody debris (and ice chunks in the high Cascade lakes!), and very COLD water. Wear your life jacket.

NWS Portland

@NWSPortland

🌡️ Heat related deaths are preventable. Look before you lock! 🚗 When the outside temperature is 80F, the temperature in your car can reach over 100F within 10-20 minutes! For more heat safety tips and resources, visit weather.gov/heat #ORwx #WAwx

Heat Related Deaths ARE Preventable. Look before you lock!

The temperature in your car can quickly become deadly! When the outside temperature is 80 degrees, the inside of your car will be 99 degrees within 10 minutes, 109 degrees within 20 minutes, 114 degrees within 30 minutes, and 123 degrees within 60 minutes.

For more heat safety info, visit weather.gov/heat

Credit to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov)

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Creating a Defensible Space against Wildfires with Ashland Fire and...

Here is the video on our original tweet too: youtu.be/Vynpxnhf-Qk Oops! And thanks for your patience.

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NWS Meteorologists interview Chris Chambers from Ashland Fire and Rescue to discuss what goes into making your home a defensible space for fire season. Ashla...

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Several fire agencies have outdoor burn restrictions in place. Check your local restrictions before you burn. Better option: chip, compost, or recycle yard debris and avoid fire altogether. Escaped debris burns are the #1 cause of human-sparked #wildfires in #Oregon.

Creating a Defensible Space against Wildfires with Ashland Fire and...

Trying again: May is Wildfire Awareness Month: We spoke with Chris Chambers of

@cityofashland

Fire and Rescue to go over tips for creating a defensible space! You can watch it at youtu.be/Vynpxnhf-Qk #WildFire #DefensibleSpace #KeepOregonGreen

youtube.com

NWS Meteorologists interview Chris Chambers from Ashland Fire and Rescue to discuss what goes into making your home a defensible space for fire season. Ashla...

May 11

May is Wildfire Awareness Month: We spoke with Chris Chambers of

@cityofashland

Fire and Rescue to go over tips for creating a defensible space! #WildFire #DefensibleSpace #KeepOregonGreen

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NWS Sacramento

@NWSSacramento

Snow melt will keep area waterways running very fast and dangerously cold. Cold, high runoff can bring river conditions that can be dangerous even with a life jacket. Despite the upcoming hot weather, avoid going into the water. #cawx

The air may be hot, but the water is cold. Mountain snow melt into creeks, rivers, and lakes will keep waters running fast and cold. Even experienced swimmers can lose muscle control very quickly.

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Bureau of Land Management Fire

@BLMFire

The

@EPA

has created a very informative 'Smoke-Ready Toolkit for Wildfires' and is now available - epa.gov/smoke-ready-to Being #ReadyForWildfire is critical and this is a perfect addition to your personnel #wildfirepreparedness tool-kit. #FireYear2023

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U.S. EPA

@EPA

May 6

Are you prepared for wildfire season?

Our Smoke-Ready Toolbox for Wildfires can help you understand the risks of #WildfireSmoke exposure and how to protect your health before a wildfire: epa.gov/smoke-ready-to #WildfirePrepDay2023

A graphic stating "Smoke ready toolbox for wildfires" with drawing of mountains and city landscape.

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Lane County Gov

@LaneCountyGov

Oregon State Marine Board

A great reminder from

@Boat_Oregon

- Don't let this week's hot temperatures fool you, the water is still ice cold and dangerous.

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@Boat_Oregon

If you plan on going boating during this latest heat spell, be prepared for lots of woody debris (and ice chunks in the high Cascade lakes!), and very COLD water. Wear your life jacket.

Oregon Forestry

@ORDeptForestry

May 8

Debris burning is the #1 cause of human-caused fires. ODF urges the public to exercise caution when disposing of yard debris. Oregon can reduce the risk of creating a large wildfire by waiting to burn or taking extra steps to control a fire. #WAM2023 #keeporegongreen

Oregon Forestry

@ORDeptForestry

May 9

Putting extra thought into how you dispose of your yard debris could prevent a large wildfire. When disposing of debris, consider composting, chipping, or covering your pile until it's safer to burn. #WAM2023 #keeporegongreen

May 8

Did you know?? Escaped debris burns are the number one cause of human-sparked wildfires in Oregon. #BelieveInFireSafety this summer and prevent a costly outdoor fire! MORE TIPS: tinyurl.com/32ch6vey #Oregon #Wildfire #Bigfoot

City of Medford

@CityofMedford

Our Planning Department and Medford Fire will be at the upcoming Emergency Resource Fair! 🙌 More details below ⬇️

May is Wildfire Awareness Month. Get your home ready for smoke by following the following tips. #WildfireAwarenessMonth #Wildire #Smoke #FireSeasonIsComing

An infographic with a woman holder her throat in distress, with text overlaid saying that "Wildfires are a health risk. Smoke from wildfires can hurt your eyes, irritate your lungs, and worsen respiratory illness." The right side of the graphic displays the following text. "Smoke is a part of life in southern Oregon and northern California, but there are ways we can help limit our exposure to it, especially in our homes. Now is the time to get ready for fire season by creating a defensible space for smoke. You can do this by fixing any broken seals on windows and doors; stock up on air filters that filter fine particulates, but won't restrict air flow; make sure your air conditioning unit is in good working condition; and consider purchasing a HEPA filter to create a cleaner air room. You can also identify local places that have cleaner, filtered air like malls, libraries, and civic centers."

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Hot Temps this weekend! Stay Hydrated and take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditions. #Heat #ORwx #CAwx #hydrate

An infographic with a kid outside drinking a bottle of water on the left. The text on the right says: "Another round of hot temperatures are expected this weekend, for most areas of southern Oregon and northern California, including at the coast. Overnight temperatures will provide a little bit of relief, but are still expected to be warm for this time of year. If you’re not paying attention, you could become susceptible to heat illness. Overall, there is a moderate heat risk indicated between Friday and Monday for the area. It is important to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, take frequent breaks, and move your outdoor activities away from 10 am to 4 pm. Lastly, remember to look in your backseat for kids and pets before locking your car. "

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Readygov

@Readygov

May 9

Are you being fire safe at home? Check in with the tips below. #WildfireAwarenessMonth

What to do to Prevent Wildfires: Home Safety. Keep fire pits, wood piles and propane tanks 10 to 30 feet from your home. Keep lawns watered and mowed. Keep overhanging tree branches 10 feet from your house, roof or chimney. Keep anything flammable 5 feet away from your home. Keep roofs, gutters, decks and patios clear of anything that can burn. Never burn debris on No Burn Days or when it's windy.

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NWS Portland

@NWSPortland

With hot temps forecast this weekend, keep in mind that our local lakes/rivers/streams/creeks will still be very cold, especially due to snowmelt. ⚠️ Sudden exposure to cold water drains body heat faster than cold air, so cold water shock can be life-threatening! #ORwx #WAwx

Even when the air is hot, water can be cold! Always wear a life vest. Even experienced swimmers can quickly lose muscle control. Cold water can kill!

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REMINDER: Please join us for our webinar on firewise communities tomorrow, May 3. Learn how to work better together on wildfire preparedness and take your neighborhood to the next level. REGISTER HERE: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regist #Oregon #Wildfire #Webinar

Low pressure in the area will bring daily chances of showers and thunderstorms each afternoon and evening through much of the week. If you have outdoor plans this week, be prepared for potentially wet conditions and keep an eye to the sky for the threat of lightning. #lightning

Image of thunderstorm over field. Active weather expected this week with lightning safety tips such as go indoors when thunder roars and wait 30 minutes after last sound of thunder before resuming outside activities.

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The Sprague River at Beatty remains in Minor Flood stage. These conditions present a number of hazards to those who would travel near or visit these waters, and extra caution should be taken.

An image of current and forecast water levels of the Sprague River at Beatty as well as a description of related hazards. The graph shows minor flooding occurring and forecast through Friday night.

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It's day two of #WildfireAwarenessMonth. All week long, we're sharing different things you can do to create defensible space around your home. Today’s tip: Make sure to keep bushes trimmed and trees limbed so they are not touching your home or other buildings. #WildfireReady

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Welcome to #WildfireAwarenessMonth! This week we're talking all about defensible space and different projects you can do at home to be better protected from wildfire! Today’s tip: Keep your roof free and clear of debris. #Oregon #Wildfire #WildfireAware

National Interagency Fire Center

@NIFC_Fire

During a wildfire, embers cause most home ignitions. Residents can harden homes, minimizing property damage and protecting firefighters. Harden your home to ember intrusion and creating defensible space on private property. #WildfireAwareness

Graphic of a house with text at top “Are you Firewise” and other tips written around the house: Storage shed located away from home, 100 feet of garden hose attached, chimney cleaned and screened, wood pile, fuel tanks and other burnable materials 30 feet from structures, driveway accessible with address visible, thin and prune coniferous trees, and vegetation mowed 100 feet from any structure.

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EPAair

@EPAair

This Air Quality Awareness Week, prepare for #wildfire season by considering a portable air cleaner to reduce smoke particles indoors. If portable air cleaners aren't available or affordable, DIY air cleaners can help reduce indoor #WildfireSmoke #AQAW2023 epa.gov/indoor-air-qua

"DIY Air Cleaner Cleaner to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors.
Materials: 20x20 inch air filter, 20x20 inch box fan, and clamps OR duct tape OR bungee cords.
Assembly: 1. Attach the air filter to the back of the box fan using either clamps, duct tape, or bungee cords. 2. Check the filter for the direction of the air flow (marked on the side of air filter) 3. Replace filters when dirty."
Learn about box fan safety tips: epa.gov/air-research/research-diy-air-cleaners-reduce-wildfire-smoke-indoors#FAQ

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Smokey Bear

@smokey_bear

It's finally May—AKA #WildfirePreventionMonth! Join me this month (and every month) in taking steps to protect our forests and communities from wildfires. Visit bit.ly/3afcCBE to read my top tips in fire safety, and stay vigilant, friends. #OnlyYou

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ODF Southwest

@swofire

𝙈𝘼𝙔 𝙄𝙎 𝙒𝙄𝙇𝘿𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝘼𝙒𝘼𝙍𝙀𝙉𝙀𝙎𝙎 𝙈𝙊𝙉𝙏𝙃: With fire season approaching, wildfire prevention is something we can all work on together. Keep an eye out for Smokey Bear coffee sleeves at coffee shops across southern Oregon, and scan the QR code for helpful tips!

OregonDEQ

@OregonDEQ

#aqaw2023 #SmokeReady #WildfireAwarenessMonth

It's Air Quality Awareness Week! Wildfire smoke affects everyone, but especially children, the elderly, pregnant women & those with heart or lung issues. Take action to protect yourself & others this wildfire season.

@ORSmokeInfo

May is wildfire awareness month. More information about defensible spaces are available at readyforwildfire.org, but remember making your home defensible just makes cents! #WildfireAwarenessMonth #WildfireAwareness #DefensibleSpace

A cartoon house that is divided into two halves. The left half shows a defensible space with manicured trees, short grass, and no leaves on the roof. The right side depicts a yard with tall grass, a wood pile, leaves of the roof of the house, and a conifer tree that has a limb hanging over the roof. Above this graphic shows a red and green box depicting the cost breakdown of improving your property versus the cost of rebuilding your home showing that rebuilding your home is much more expensive than making your home a defensible space.

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Conditions early today as seen from satellite.

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NWS Sacramento

@NWSSacramento

Beautiful Friday for the Golden State as viewed from #GOESWest

. #CAwx

Abundant sunshine inland

Snow-capped mountains

Well-established marine layer along the coast Pro-tip: bookmark

this link; updates in near-realtime: star.nesdis.noaa.gov/goes/sector_ba

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NWS Owlie Skywarn

@NWSOwlieSkywarn

At certain times of the year, water from melting snow can be responsible for almost all of the streamflow in a river. The processes of snowmelt are crucial in forming accurate river flood forecasts. Learn more about flood science at weather.gov/jetstream/flood.

Flood Science - Snowmelt Process Snowmelt Processes: During certain times of the year, water from snowmelt can be responsible for almost all of the streamflow in a river. It's important for hydrologists to understand these processes in order to accurately forecast river floods. Snow Distribution: The path that weather systems take is the most important factor in determining snowpack, but terrain and vegetation also influence how snow accumulates on the ground. Snowpack Characterisitcs: The temperature and the amount of water (snow water equivalent) in the snowpack and important to the melting process. Before rapid melting can occur, the snowpack as a whole needs to be warmed to 32 degress F. Snow Energy Exchanges: Incoming solar radiation, emitted longwave radiation, turbulent transfer of heat, ground conduction, and heat transferred during rainfall are all important factors in heating or cooling the snowpack. Weather Factors: Strong winds and high dew point temperatures aid in melting

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National Weather Service

@NWS

Great breakdown of weather conditions that cause the West Coast stratus/fog. Are you Team Clouds/Fog?🌁 or Team Sun?😎

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NWS San Diego

@NWSSanDiego

We are in the thick of Graypril/May Gray, but have you ever wondered why it is so prevalent this time of year? Time for a little weather education on this late April Friday morning. A

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The Marine Layer: Cool, moist air trapped near the surface by a temperature inversion aloft. Can result in low clouds and fog near the coast.

- Persistent high pressure anchors over the eastern Pacific
- Warm air aloft sits over the cool air trapped near the surface, resulting in a temperature inversion
- Cold water flows down the coast, helping to cool air near the surface
- The strength of the inversion determines how far inland low clouds extend
= Deep marine layer = cloud farther inland
= Shallow marine layer = clouds confined to coast

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In case you haven't heard yet, it's going to warm on Saturday. But the water is still going to be cold! Don't be caught off guard and put yourself in danger. Be prepared

Apr 27

Hot temperatures will peak on Friday. Then temperatures will continue to be very warm on Saturday. Expect conditions to trend cooler Sunday into early next week with chances for light precipitation. #orwx #cawx

Apr 25

A bit of a temperature rollercoaster ahead of us as a major warming trend happens this week. Some max temperatures could reach record-breaking levels for this time of year Saturday. Take it easy with your outdoor activities this week and remember to hydrate!