8/2/16 – The National Weather Service has forecast deep monsoon moisture which will lead to frequent and widespread shower and thunderstorm activity today. A weak area of low pressure may enhance the potential for heavier rain tonight.

A Flash Flood Watch has been expanded in area coverage and extended through Wednesday evening.

The watch now includes Yavapai County, northern Gila County, southern Coconino County, southern and central Navajo County and much of Apache County.

Make sure to use caution and never drive through washes with running water as swift moving currents can and will move vehicles and large objects.

High moisture values will persist through Thursday before a drying trend develops late in the week and into the weekend.

8/1/16 12:28 pm

August 1, 2016
ADEQ Recommends Limiting Consumption of Largemouth Bass
Caught in Scott Reservoir, Navajo County

Largemouth Bass
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, in association with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, has issued a fish consumption advisory recommending that people limit consumption of largemouth bass caught from Scott Reservoir in Navajo County. ADEQ is issuing this advisory because recent analysis of data from fish tissue samples taken from Scott Reservoir contained elevated levels of mercury.
ADEQ recommends that adults limit consumption of largemouth bass to 2.4 ounces (uncooked weight) per week and children 12 years of age and younger limit consumption to two ounces per month (uncooked weight).
This advisory does not limit the use of this waterbody for fishing, bird watching, swimming, or other recreational uses. In general, the level of contaminants in fish is several folds higher than levels found in water.
Any health risks associated with eating fish from this advisory area are based on long-term consumption and not from eating fish occasionally. Fish are an excellent source of protein and can be an important part of a healthy, diverse diet as they are low in saturated fat. The American Heart Association recommends that individuals eat at least two fish or seafood meals weekly.
BACKGROUND:
Fish Consumption Advisory: A fish consumption advisory is a public health alert that provides recommendations regarding healthy servings of fish when ADEQ determines contaminant levels in fish tissues taken from an Arizona waterway exceed state health standards. These advisories do not apply to commercial fish sold in markets.
Mercury in the environment can come from various sources. Ingesting mercury can cause numerous health problems such as damage to the central nervous system. Infants and pregnant or nursing mothers are considered most at risk to possible health effects. Fish can accumulate elevated levels of mercury when larger fish consume smaller fish and insects.
STATE RESOURCES:
ADEQ Fish Consumption Advisory Fact Sheet >
Arizona Game and Fish Department – Arizona Fish Consumption Advisory List >
FEDERAL RESOURCES:
EPA-FDA Advisory on Mercury in Fish and Shellfish >
EPA Advisories and Technical Resources for Fish and Shellfish Consumption >
CONTACTS:
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
Caroline Oppleman – (602) 771-2215 desk / (602) 540-8072 cell / co2@azdeq.gov
Arizona Game and Fish Department
Nick Walter – (623) 236-7214 desk / (602) 309-1589 cell / nwalter@azgfd.gov
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07/29/16 11:28 am
The Baldwin Fire on the Black Mesa RD is approximately 1,000 acres about 3 miles south of Heber-Overgaard. Increased burning activity has been causing smoke to be visible in Heber & Overgaard. The Elk Fire on the Lakeside RD is approximately 1,500 acres in the area northeast of Pinetop and smoke has been visible in the afternoons & evenings in the area of Porter Mountain, Pinetop, and Sky High Retreat.

Elk Fire Pictures

07/28/16 11:45 am

Elk Fire Update
July 28, 2016
9:00 a.m.

Location:
 Lakeside Ranger District
 4 miles northeast of Pinetop
 T9N R24E Section 18

Discovery Date: July 21, 2016
Size: Approximately 1300 acres in size in light to medium fuels Percent Contained: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Resources Assigned: four Type 3 Engines
Summary: The Elk fire is burning southwest of Turkey Mountain on the Lakeside Ranger District and smoke may be visible from the communities of Pinetop-Lakeside and Show Low, as well as State Highway 260 and U.S. Highway 60. Fire managers are managing this fire for potential benefit to the landscape. The district has received lightning across the district with varying amounts of precipitation over the last few days.

Baldwin Fire Update
July 28, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.
Location:
 Black Mesa Ranger District
 4-5 miles south of Heber-Overgaard
Discovery Date: July 19, 2016
Size: Approximately 600 acres Percent Contained: 10%
Location: Perimeter of fire is bound by FR 50, 50A, 166, 487 Cause: Lightning
Resources Assigned: Two Type 2 Engines
Summary: The Baldwin Fire is not a threat to the communities of Heber and Overgaard. Crews are blacklining around the perimeter of the fire as weather permits. Due to this activity, increased smoke may be visible from the community at times, and smoke may drift into Heber, Overgaard, Forest Lakes, Highway 260 and surrounding areas throughout the weekend. Fire is burning in the Rodeo/Chediski burn area. Black line operations were completed yesterday and fire managers are monitoring the fire to use it for potential benefit to the landscape.