Tahoe air improving, but smoke advisory in place

Updated 9:40am:

While the air is clearing in the Lake Tahoe Basin, that is not the case for the entire region.

A dense smoke advisory is in effect until 8 tonight for Douglas, Alpine, northern Mono counties.

The National Weather Service in Reno says, “The density of smoke will depend on day-to-day output of smoke from the Rim Fire which is uncertain. However, south of Interstate 80 and east of Lake Tahoe will see the greatest impacts from the fire through Labor Day. Chances for appreciable smoke are lower through Saturday afternoon north of Interstate 80 and in the Tahoe basin, but will increase by Sunday and Monday as flow aloft turns more southerly.”

The Sept. 1 Heavenly Mountain Run has been canceled because of the smoke.

The fire near Yosemite has consumed 219,277 acres and is 35 percent contained.

A spot fire crossed Old Yosemite Road on Friday night, which led to the expansion of the evacuation area in Mariposa County.

According to fire officials, “Continued warmer and drier weather is forecasted for the next several days, which will elevate control concerns and slow burnout progress.”

The estimated date of full containment is Sept. 20.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report