Forest fire weather and computed fire occurrence in western Oregon and western Washington.

Abstract

Severity of the 1959 fire season varied from well below normal in western Washington to a record-setting high in southwestern Oregon. The season was characterized by well-distributed, short rainy periods separated by comparatively short dry spells that frequently included days of high fire danger. July was the only month with markedly above-normal temperatures, and April and October were the only months with predominantly below-normal rainfall. Temperatures were substantially below normal in May and September, and considerably more than the normal amount of rain fell in September. Otherwise, temperature and precipitation were near normal in most areas. Despite the comparatively frequent rains, windy days with low humidities were surprisingly numerous, reaching a near-record level in southern Oregon.

Citation

Cramer, Owen P. 1959. Forest fire weather and computed fire occurrence in western Oregon and western Washington. PNW Old Series Research Notes No. 176, p. 1-11