Smoke and NDSU@UM opener?

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Is it a possibility that smoke might affect the game?

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Is it a possibility that smoke might affect the game?

This has been discussed ad nauseum. It appears that the smoke will likely have little effect without long term exposure.

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

It's part of the early season experience in Missoula and Bozeman. I dealt with it in 2012 at both places. It does suck because the scenery is greatly diminished.

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/v/t1.0-9/644119_468206509878452_1413819851_n.jpg?oh=1a1d125 54dc10349d7d7e5ef20e30315&oe=567C0DC5

[citdog]

It's part of the early season experience in Missoula and Bozeman. I dealt with it in 2012 at both places. It does suck because the scenery is greatly diminished.

I can see the new crop of freshman chicks just fine

[NoDak 4 Ever]

I can see the new crop of freshman chicks just fine

can't wait.

[RootinFerDukes]

Wait, smoke is a yearly thing in Missoula? I thought this was just this summer due to the mass wildfire issues on the west coast.

[AmsterBison]

Bison tend to stampede at the smell of smoke. Just have to get the team pointed in the right direction.

[Grizzlies82]

Wait, smoke is a yearly thing in Missoula? I thought this was just this summer due to the mass wildfire issues on the west coast.

There are western wildfires each summer. Some years are worse than others. On occasion it can be thick as shown in Go Lehigh's photo (notice there is a mountain just to the left of those stands which is barely visible even though it is less than a mile from the stadium). However, most years you would not see or smell smoke during a game all season long.

This year there are about a half dozen smaller fires around the state which really aren't a factor for air quality in general. Though there is one record setting fire in central Washington state which has covered most of Montana in smoke. There have been days when it was very thick in eastern Montana apx. 700 miles away from where it was burning. That fire is the culprit for this current mess. Hard to imagine that a fire so distant can and does affect us this strongly.

Hopefully a little thunderstorm (sans lightning) will blow through and clear it for game day.
If not, at least the smoke will act as a natural sunscreen keeping fans from getting sun burns as they watch the Grizzlies roll. :)

[NoDak 4 Ever]

saw the haze and smelled some smoke here in Kansas this evening. Very red sun.

[citdog]

saw the haze and smelled some smoke here in Kansas this evening. Very red sun.


Red Dawn?

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Red Dawn?

Wolverines!

[citdog]

[QUOTE=NoDak 4 Ever;2242498]Wolverines![/QUOTE


Glad to know your blood and patriotism outweigh your politics . A certain bearkat from Texas would 'meet them with his red drawers on' .

[RootinFerDukes]

That is crazy that a fire in central Washington is blowing as far east as western Montana. Do the Rockies not block some of it?
I wouldn't think it would affect it from that far away.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

That is crazy that a fire in central Washington is blowing as far east as western Montana. Do the Rockies not block some of it?
I wouldn't think it would affect it from that far away.

We saw it here, over 1000 miles away.

[Sycamore62]

They said as soon as they legalized it, there would be lots of it crossing the borders to smoke in other states. I would say it will mostly affect fans but I suppose players and coaches might be affected too.

[Grizzlies82]

That is crazy that a fire in central Washington is blowing as far east as western Montana. Do the Rockies not block some of it?
I wouldn't think it would affect it from that far away.

It is hard to imagine but big fires will do it. The Rockies trap some of the smoke in the valleys. Yet I'm in Montana on the plains about 300 miles EAST of Missoula and we've had smoke hanging around for two full weeks. Seeing red sunsets and red moons. That is apx. 600 miles from the source. I suspect Missoula is at least twice as bad since it is surrounded by mountains, and is only about 200 to 250 miles from the fires.

Remember kids, Smokey says don't play with fire!

[BucBisonAtLarge]

This year's fires are causing smoke across the west. Both here in Albuquerque (last weekend air quality alerts) and further north, up into central and western Colorado where we were traveling, visibility has been greatly reduced. You could smell wood smoke at times, well away from any fires. I can't imagine there won't be smoke, but how much will depend on the winds.

[AmsterBison]

Heck, Fargo was really smokey this summer from fires in northern Saskatchewan too.

[kalm]

They said as soon as they legalized it, there would be lots of it crossing the borders to smoke in other states. I would say it will mostly affect fans but I suppose players and coaches might be affected too.

xlolx

It's a precursor to another invasion come November.

[Drblankstare]

Heck, Fargo was really smokey this summer from fires in northern Saskatchewan too.

It was pretty hazy for a couple weeks. Reeked like Molson and back bacon too:D

[Lehigh Football Nation]

So more of an irritant, but not something that would cause the game to be delayed/cancelled or anything?

[THE DANIMAL]

To put it in a little perspective, I live about an hour north of Missoula and these pictures show what I normally see on a daily basis living here. And due to the smoke I cannot even see the mountains or the lake. The pic of the Mission Mountains is taking from about 10 miles away and right now I'm sitting about 2 miles from the base of the mountains and if I wasn't from here I'd have no idea their were mountains to the East of me. It is that smoky. lol With that being said their is no plans whatsoever to cancel this game due to the conditions. GO GRIZ!! xthumbsupx

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=21238&stc=1
http://www.anygivensaturday.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=21239&stc=1

[Grizalltheway]

So more of an irritant, but not something that would cause the game to be delayed/cancelled or anything?

Pretty much. The press release/preview from yesterday said things would have to take a drastic turn for the worse for them to even consider it.

The show must go on!

[tomq04]

That fire in central Washington (Okanagon) is now the largest fire in state history pushing 280k acres...wowza.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

So more of an irritant, but not something that would cause the game to be delayed/cancelled or anything?

It's never happened in the past, it won't happen now.

[2ram]

going to make tv look like ****.

[kalm]

It's never happened in the past, it won't happen now.

This isn't some EC(b) oh ma gosh it's raining/snowing we've got to think of the children locale. Its ****ing Montana.

[PAllen]

That is crazy that a fire in central Washington is blowing as far east as western Montana. Do the Rockies not block some of it?
I wouldn't think it would affect it from that far away.

I remember around 10 years ago there was a fire in the northern provinces of Canada that made all of Baltimore look like it was engulfed in thick fog for a few days. It was weird because it looked just like a thick morning fog that never burned off, but smelled like a campfire. Here's hoping for clear weather and a great game.

[clenz]

Heck, Fargo was really smokey this summer from fires in northern Saskatchewan too.
We were hazy as hell from those too about a month ago.

This is from June. The red spots were the fires in Alaska and Canada - the white is where the smoke was have a "significant measurable impact on air quality"

http://www.kcrg.com/storyimage/KC/20150630/ARTICLE/150639989/EP/1/1/EP-150639989.jpg&MaxW=1474

I don't' know what the issue on the east coast was. They felt left out and needed some ECB in there as well.

Some photos of the Cedar Rapids, IA area from late June/early July


http://kwwl.images.worldnow.com/images/8248201_G.jpg
http://www.kcrg.com/storyimage/KC/20150630/ARTICLE/150639989/AR/0/AR-150639989.jpg&MaxW=1474

This was pretty early on in the spread but the same path was taken by the smoke

http://addins.kwwl.com/blogs/weather/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/11.jpg

[NoDak 4 Ever]

It was kind of cool looking here last night.

[Grizalltheway]

Here's a pic I took up at Holland Lake a couple weeks ago when things were starting to get bad.

21241

[ursus arctos horribilis]

This isn't some EC(b) oh ma gosh it's raining/snowing we've got to think of the children locale. Its ****ing Montana.

Amen Tiger!

[JayJ79]

Smoke on the water, fire in the sky

[IBleedYellow]

Here's a picture I found on Bisonville from some who are already there.

http://www.bisonville.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=6038&d=1440713073

[superman7515]

Before...
https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11896252_1065021256842025_2940494914308065909_n.jp g?oh=292d1eb87b019364f355de414305cdef&oe=56752A58

Monday...
https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/11781694_1065021280175356_5150866144690698155_n.jp g?oh=3175788d41c2bd215fe9a79b4168b02d&oe=56739115


Before...
https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11892089_1062728990404585_3983336696485199624_n.jp g?oh=8ba9521be6383e3997293b4f7ef205f7&oe=5635CD1F

Monday...
https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/11873435_1062729010404583_5522148106663453246_n.jp g?oh=f78528ebc2947b2257bef016e31198d1&oe=5639E862

[Grizzlies82]

Before...
https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11896252_1065021256842025_2940494914308065909_n.jp g?oh=292d1eb87b019364f355de414305cdef&oe=56752A58

Monday...
https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/11781694_1065021280175356_5150866144690698155_n.jp g?oh=3175788d41c2bd215fe9a79b4168b02d&oe=56739115


Before...
https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11892089_1062728990404585_3983336696485199624_n.jp g?oh=8ba9521be6383e3997293b4f7ef205f7&oe=5635CD1F

Monday...
https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/11873435_1062729010404583_5522148106663453246_n.jp g?oh=f78528ebc2947b2257bef016e31198d1&oe=5639E862


Holy Smokes!
Someone stole our damn mountains!!!!!!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

This doesn't involve Missoula yet, but worthy of mention.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/aug/27/smoke-from-wildfires-could-delay-montana-football-/


Some Montana sports teams have moved practice indoors and could be forced to delay games because of air quality alerts.

The Flathead Beacon reports that the Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued alerts in Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Glacier and Sanders counties due to smoky conditions. Coaches in affected areas are concerned as football season openers are around the corner, with Bigfork and Glacier scheduled to host games Friday.


And:

http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/griz-football-home-opener-will-go-on-despite-smoke/34919772


The season opener for the University of Montana Grizzlies football team will kick off this weekend, smoke or no smoke.

We know smoky conditions can affect players and also the thousands of fans who fill the stadium seats.

Right now in Missoula, air quality is rated unhealthy, but long-term exposure is considered very unhealthy, especially if your respiratory system is compromised.

"(I’ve) got a lot of friends coming in to town, so (I’m) looking forward to it," said UM student Lyncoln Schrock.

[Grizalltheway]

Holy Smokes!
Someone stole our damn mountains!!!!!!

The jealously finally became too much for the NoDaks.

[tomq04]

WSU in Pullman is threatening to have to host Portland State in the neighboring Kibbie Dome home of the Idaho Vandals (~8 miles away).

[superman7515]

Holy Smokes!
Someone stole our damn mountains!!!!!!

Haha. It certainly looked like it on Monday.

[RootinFerDukes]

This is reminding me of the Iron Maiden song, "Holy Smoke". I feel that it should be the song that the Grizzlies come out to.

[Grizzlies82]

If anyone is curious. This is what Missoula looks like at the moment, see article at www.BillingsGazette.com (http://www.BillingsGazette.com)

They have a stadium shot from this afternoon, and a tiny article. It does look a bit thick...

Several High School games for tonight have just been cancelled. Yet, I'd be shocked if the Grizzlies don't play. Go Griz!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/billingsgazette.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/f9/7f9b479f-8d59-569d-98e1-41fce2ad701d/55e0d31ae8b2d.image.jpg



The air quality in Missoula was rated "very unhealthy" Friday due to smoke from forest fires in the region. Under University of Montana's athletic practice policy, student athletes would be restricted to activities that do not increase their breathing rate.


But UM officials say it would be really difficult to cancel Montana's season-opening football game against top-ranked and four-time defending FCS champion North Dakota State University. It is scheduled to kick off at 1:30 p.m. Saturday and be carried on ESPN.


Montana's head trainer J.C. Weida says athletic directors from both teams will meet on Saturday and decide what to do if the air quality is still "very unhealthy."


http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/missoula-air-quality-very-unhealthy-griz-expected-to-play/article_98551af0-99ca-5593-a5fc-412030f4ab75.html

[BisonTru]

21246

[Bisonator]

The show must go on! I think the wind is supposed to be blowing pretty good tomorrow afternoon so that should help dissipate the smoke a bit.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

The show must go on! I think the wind is supposed to be blowing pretty good tomorrow afternoon so that should help dissipate the smoke a bit.

Man, I hope so. Walking around it really irritates the eyes and throat.

[Hammerhead]

Some high school games were moved to other teams' stadiums and a few have been postponed. It's way smokier here in Missoula than it ever was in Fargo this summer.

[veinup]

this is going to suck on so many levels for so many people if it gets cancelled.

[Grizzlies82]

this is going to suck on so many levels for so many people if it gets cancelled.

So you're saying NDSU is going to pull a MSU Bobcats "we really wanted to play but there is smoke in my eye, or some other nonsense...".


As I've posted elsewhere, if I can sit on the couch and drink beer in these conditions, they damn sure can play in it!

[JayJ79]

loud and cold in the postseason. smokey and very unhealthy in the preseason

[RootinFerDukes]

I'd be shocked if ESPN allowed the game to be cancelled. I'm not saying be negligent, but a cancellation wouldn't help the future of the Fcs kickoff IMO.
It might cause some fans to stay home.

[veinup]

it's 5:51 AM on a saturday i just woke up, i need to know whats happening with this damn football game, i cant sleep. i'm guessing the decision makers are still asleep

[PantherRob82]

it's 5:51 AM on a saturday i just woke up, i need to know whats happening with this damn football game, i cant sleep. i'm guessing the decision makers are still asleep

I thought it was pretty clear it wouldn't be cancelled?

[Tailbone]

The reason for all the smoke......

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=21253&stc=1

http://activefiremaps.fs.fed.us/#

[Grizzlies82]

it's 5:51 AM on a saturday i just woke up, i need to know whats happening with this damn football game, i cant sleep. i'm guessing the decision makers are still asleep

Here in Billings it is looking much clearer this morning. Don't know if Missoula is seeing the same.
Either way, let's kick their ass. Go Griz!

[Grizzlies82]

it's 5:51 AM on a saturday i just woke up, i need to know whats happening with this damn football game, i cant sleep. i'm guessing the decision makers are still asleep

Here in Billings it is looking much clearer this morning. Don't know if Missoula is seeing the same.
Either way, let's kick their ass. Go Griz! :)

[Grizzlies82]

it's 5:51 AM on a saturday i just woke up, i need to know whats happening with this damn football game, i cant sleep. i'm guessing the decision makers are still asleep

Here in Billings it is looking much clearer this morning. Don't know if Missoula is seeing the same.
Report yesterday was they would meet this morning to decide if any change is required.
Either way, let's kick their ass. Go Griz! :)

[Bisonator]

Still time to fly both teams to Fargo!:D

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Here in Billings it is looking much clearer this morning. Don't know if Missoula is seeing the same.
Report yesterday was they would meet this morning to decide if any change is required.
Either way, let's kick their ass. Go Griz! :)



Gotta like the enthusiasm!!

[veinup]

internet says the game is officially happening.

[JayJ79]

Montana decides there isn't enough smoke, so they fire off some smokey fireworks.