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07/15/2025 08:50AM |
jsmithxc: "While some people may object to this way of dealing with smoke, if there is a chance of PM 2.5 solution from smoke I wear a 95 mask that fits in a mask designed for sport use (search it). It is a two piece system with a filter mask inside a second piece keeping it tightly fit. I am able to ride a bike at a moderate an intensity with it and I am breathing at an intensity I never reach in a canoe. I am not here to start an argument about masks, the internet is full of this topic some good, some bizarre. My experience with these masks has been very good and I carry one and wear it when conditions warrant. Again I am not here to start a fight, people do what they want. It's my lungs, my health and my choice. These masks have worked well for me."
Wearing an N95 mask for smoke is a different argument than the masks we all enjoyed during Covid. So I don’t think anyone will start a battle over wearing a mask for the smoke.
I will say this, when I was in Quetico in early June, the smoke was so bad that if I had an N95 mask with me I would have absolutely worn it! It was that bad.
This was not a Foggy morning on Batchwang Lake, it was smoke
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07/15/2025 05:53AM |
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07/15/2025 12:15PM |
Will a K95 mask by itself really filter much of the harmful particulate?
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07/12/2025 06:45AM |
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07/12/2025 07:55PM |
In particular, look at the Gunflint Lodge, Seagull Outfitters, and Rockwood. Right now (8:00 PM CST), you can see Canada a bit from Gunflint Lodge. A few hours ago, you could not. For the Seagull cam, you also need to click a link halfway down the second page, and that link is:
https://www.seagulloutfitters.com/webcam/home.jpg
I've not seen this much ground level smoke since the Pagami fire in 2011. Pretty amazing that the smoke is so dense when it is not a local forest fire, in my experience.
Tom
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07/12/2025 09:28AM |
Besides playing with the maps and forecasts, here's what the State of Wisconsin DNR air quality site is saying about changing conditions for the longer forecast for WI. This is, of course, a Wisconsin-wide summary forecast for lots of territory much farther south than the BW. There may be a similar resource for MN proper.
Extended (Wisconsin) Outlook (Days 4-7):
"There is significant uncertainty in the extended forecast, pending on what is observed this weekend. In addition to any lingering smoke from Sunday, long-range guidance suggests another cold front associated with an upper level shortwave over Ontario pushing south into northern Minnesota and Wisconsin Monday morning. If this verifies, there is potential for another band of smoke to move into the region behind this front. For now, Moderate to Unhealthy AQI for PM2.5 is forecast for Monday, with higher chances for USG to Unhealthy AQI across locations farther north. ... Flow will likely shift to southerly by Tuesday morning as the next low pressure system builds over the northern Great Plains and tracks east into the region. Assuming cleaner air to the south, this southerly flow and associated precipitation may act to clear out any smoke still present over Wisconsin. ... Behind Tuesday’s low pressure system, northerly flow and subsequent high pressure influence is expected Wednesday and Thursday. Pending the status of ongoing Canadian fires and associated smoke, additional PM2.5 and ozone impacts cannot be ruled out."
My personal experience (66 year old male, no known sensitivity or heart/lung issues, "Boundary Waters Ready" for exertion levels) is that once you are solidly in Red/unhealthy or Purple/very unheathy levels it's all about exertion. I personally would go but have a plan to lay low in camp if the levels stay sustained red and absolutely stay sedentary if they go purple. When I was hiking in the UP in June I only felt a headache and eye burning in the red level but took it easy and think it helped that I did.
Good luck, enjoy and stay safe!
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07/15/2025 02:59PM |
schweady: "We go in on Friday and come out Monday (7/18-21). Ely area. This latest smoke has us on the fence re canceling. There seems to be no great way to forecast the density too far in advance. My wife says she will not go/will head out early if conditions reach the unhealthy for sensitive groups level.
Will a K95 mask by itself really filter much of the harmful particulate?
"
My neighbor commutes to work 14 miles RT by bike. He is an asthmatic and uses a PM2.5 mask on unhealthy for sensitive groups days. It looks like an N95 but is made specifically for particulate air pollution. He told me PM2.5 it doesn't filter as finely as an N95 but is designed specifically for particulate air pollution like smoke is is pretty common for everyday wear in Japan when air pollution is bad. He feels no negative impact on his breathing and is sure he would without it. I realize this doesn't answer the N95 question and I'm not sure how easy it is to get the PM2.5 masks.
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07/22/2025 03:29PM |
Our solution? Came out a day early. Saturday night's smoke was serious.
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07/12/2025 06:40PM |
I wouldn't want to run on a treadmill today but otherwise don't let the smoke stop you.
Tom
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07/12/2025 06:29PM |
During the first trip we took last year we encountered a considerable amount of PM2.5 smoke in the air. Let's just say that I am somewhat past the 65 year mark. At first it didn't seem to bother me, but the longer I was in it and paddling, the more effects I noticed. Scratchy throat and itchy eyes, heavier breathing, more paddling breaks. It seems to be cumulative. This is similar to effects I notice here in central Illinois when we get smoke this far south. Although, I am not usually that active during a smoke event here. That was the first day. The second day started hazy/smoky and then improved and we continued our trip.
The other question to ask is whether a trip in those conditions might uncover a hidden health condition. Are you prepared to deal with that scenario?
We also knew it was forecast and chose to continue. The second day was a short travel day. Our party also included a person who has the training to deal with a wilderness medical situation. We felt OK moving forward as the smoke cleared some.
Would I do it again? Depends on the make up of the group.
I hope you get to go. It is not fun to have to make a go-nogo decision based on these external variables.