...AIR STAGNATION ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM MST FRIDAY...
* WHAT...An extended period of stagnant air, with light winds
and little vertical mixing.
* WHERE...Portions of south central, southwest and west central
Idaho and northeast and southeast Oregon.
* WHEN...Until 1 PM MST Friday, and this time may be extended.
* IMPACTS...Periods of air stagnation can lead to the buildup of
pollutants near the surface.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds will increase Tuesday, Wednesday, and
Thursday afternoons in portions of the Upper Treasure Valley
(generally in and around Mountain Home) to the point where
stagnation will be limited. However, the majority of the zone
will experience stagnant air and was therefore included in this
advisory.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
An Air Stagnation Advisory concerns itself with meteorological
conditions only. For more information on air pollution in Idaho,
visit website www.deq.idaho.gov. For Oregon, visit website
www.oregon.gov/deq.
If possible, reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to
air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and the use of
residential wood burning devices. Reduce vehicle trips and
vehicle idling as much as possible.
&&
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Hiking in the dark tunnel is a unique experience and the views of the Gorge are spectacular.
It’s holiday travel time and many Idahoans head for the coast on that long drive to Portland.
My wife and I are always on the lookout for good places to take a break. The Columbia River Gorge along I-84 has several places that fit the bill.
Several years ago we discovered a new trail on a First Day of the Year Hike with the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation on the Historic Columbia River Highway Trail. It starts at the Mark Hatfield Trailhead near Mosier.
You get a different view of the Gorge and a history lesson about when the original Columbia River Highway was built in 1921. It was necessary to build two tunnels to get through a high rock point.
The Mosier Twin Tunnels, with their windows affording views over the river, were a highlight of any road trip to the Gorge. Today you can only see them on foot. The trail is considered a moderate hike and is open year round. Travelers can take a short in-and-out hike to get a feel for the trail or do the entire length to Hood River, which is 8.5 miles round trip. Bicycles are also allowed on the trail.
Getting there: As you drive between The Dallas and Hood River, keep an eye out for the Mosier exit (Exit 69). That’s the turnoff for the Mark Hatfield trailhead.
