Weather Potential in August of Idaho

Weather Potential in August of Idaho

Frequently-asked questions:


What does this data set describe?

Title:
Weather Potential in August of Idaho

Abstract:
As used in this assessment, "fire weather" is analogous to "extreme fire weather potential" used by Schmidt et al. (2002).  The 3 main components of fire weather include temperature, humidity, and wind.  We used average maximum temperature and average humidity (vapor pressure) for the month of August from DAYMET (http://www.ntsg.umt.edu/); and average surface wind speed for August from the ICBEMP (www.icbemp.gov).  These data were 1000-m and 9317-m resolution, respectively.  We "smoothed" the wind data by resampling it to 1000-m resolution so that it would have a similar resolution as the temperature and humidity data.

A proxy for fire weather was then generated spatially by averaging the standardized values for the 3 weather variables: 

Wx_potential = (max_temp + (1- rel_humidity) + rel_wind_ros) / 3

Supplemental information:
BehavePlus was used to derive the relative effect of wind on rate-of-spread (ROS).  ROS values for two fire behavior fuel models (FBFM6 and FBFM10) and the four wind speeds available in the ICBEMP data (0.0, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0-m/sec).  Values for other variables needed to run BehavePlus are listed below. The ROS values derived from each fuel model were averaged by wind speed, and then standardized between 0.0 and 1.0.  These values served as a proxy for the effect of wind on the ROS (e.g., "wind effect").

The values for the average maximum temperature and the average humidity were rescaled to 90-m and standardized between 0.0 and 1.0.  We then used an inverse transformation of the humidity values since humidity is inversely correlated with ROS.

Variables Used in BehavePlus
Variable                       Input Value
1-hr fuel moisture         5%
10-hr Fuel moisture       6%
100-hr Fuel moisture      7%
Slope                          0%
Wind vector direction     0 degrees

  1. How should this data set be cited?

    Documentation "Idaho Interagency Assessment of Wildland Fire Risk to Communities" approved by Idaho State Fire Plan Working Group. Assessment completed by Jeff Jones, Landscape Ecologist, Flathead National Forest, Idaho State Fire Plan Working Group, 2007, Weather Potential in August of Idaho: U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) , Boise, Idaho, USA .

    Online links:
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?

    Bounding coordinates:
    West: -117.672126
    East: -110.527218
    North: 49.107907
    South: 41.852502

  3. What does it look like?

    Thumbnail image:

  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?

    Calendar date: 2004
    Currentness reference:
    publication date

  5. What is the general form of this data set?

    Geospatial data presentation form: map

  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?

    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?

    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?

  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?

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Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)

    • Documentation "Idaho Interagency Assessment of Wildland Fire Risk to Communities" approved by Idaho State Fire Plan Working Group. Assessment completed by Jeff Jones, Landscape Ecologist, Flathead National Forest
    • Idaho State Fire Plan Working Group

  2. Who also contributed to the data set?

    Jeff Jones, Landscape Ecologist, Flathead National Forest; Idaho State Fire Plan Working Group

  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?

    Bureau of Land Management, Idaho State Office
    ID956 Geographic Sciences
    Bureau of Land Management, Idaho State Office
    1387 South Vinnell Way
    Boise, ID 83709
    USA

    208-373-4000 (voice)
    208-373-3949 (FAX)
    Hours of Service: 8-4:30 M-F, MST
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Why was the data set created?

These data were designed to characterize mid-scale patterns across Idaho of typical fire weather across the state of Idaho during August.   They were developed specifically for use in characterizing relative wildland fire risk which was then used to assess the risks of wildland fire to communities.

This dataset was used in the "Idaho Interagency Assessment of Wildland Fire Risk to Communities, 2007", Map 4A .  It was created for the Statewide Interagency National Fire Plan Working Group to which the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Idaho is a member.  It has also been used in other BLM planning efforts such as Resource Management Plans, Fire Management Plans, and NEPA analysis.

General Limitations

These data were designed to characterize mid-scale patterns across the state of Idaho at a scale of approximately 1:100,000.  The use of these data at scales less than 1:100,000 is not recommended without field verification.

Although the resolution of this theme is a 90-m cell, the expected accuracy does not warrant its use for geographic extents smaller than approximately 10,000 acres.  That is, these data were not designed to be used for "project level" assessments that typically require 1:24,000 scale data.

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How was the data set created?

  1. Where did the data come from?

    Source scale denominator: Unknown
    Source contribution:
    See Abstract and Process Steps

  2. What changes have been made?

    Date: Unknown (change 1 of 2)
    We used average maximum temperature and average humidity (vapor pressure) for the month of August from DAYMET (http://www.ntsg.umt.edu/); and average surface wind speed for August from the ICBEMP (www.icbemp.gov).  These data were 1000-m and 9317-m resolution, respectively.  We "smoothed" the wind data by resampling it to 1000-m resolution so that it would have a similar resolution as the temperature and humidity data.  
    
    The next step was to use BehavePlus to derive the relative effect of wind on rate-of-spread (ROS).  We first derived ROS values for two fire behavior fuel models (FBFM6 and FBFM10) and the four wind speeds available in the ICBEMP data (0.0, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0-m/sec).  Values for other variables needed to run BehavePlus are can be found in the supplemental section of this metadata.  The ROS values derived from each fuel model were averaged by wind speed, and then standardized between 0.0 and 1.0.  These values served as a proxy for the effect of wind on the ROS (e.g., "wind effect").
    
    The values for the average maximum temperature and the average humidity were also standardized between 0.0 and 1.0.  We then used an inverse transformation of the humidity values since humidity is inversely correlated with ROS.   A proxy for fire weather was then generated spatially by averaging the standardized values for the 3 weather variables: 
    Wx_potential = (maxstd + (1 - rel_humidity) + rel_wind_ros) / 3

    Person responsible for change:
    Jeff Jones
    Flathead National Forest
    Landscape Ecologist
    Flathead National Forest
    1935 3rd Av. E
    Kalispell, MT 59906
    USA

    406-758-5341 (voice)
    Hours of Service: 8-4:30, M-F, MST

    Date: Unknown (change 2 of 2)
    Source Data reprojected IDTM NAD27 to IDTM NAD83, nearest neighbor
    Dataset Copied, Metadata Imported
    Source data projected from IDTM NAD27 to IDTM NAD83, nearest neighbor
    
    Project GRID in  out  # Nearest 90  (source)
     OUTPUT
     Projection    TRANSVERSE
     Datum         NAD83
     Zunits        NO
     Units         METERS
     Spheroid      GRS1980
     Xshift        0.0000000000
     Yshift        0.0000000000
     Parameters
     0.99960000 
     -114  0  0.000 
      42  0  0.000 
      2500000.00000 
      1200000.00000 
      END

    Person responsible for change:
    Bureau of Land Management, Idaho State Office
    GIS Specialist
    Bureau of Land Management
    1387 S. Vinnell Way
    Boise, ID 83709
    USA

    208-373-4000 (voice)
    208-373-3949 (FAX)
    Hours of Service: 8-4:30, M-F, MST

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How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?

    Unknown

  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?

    Unknown

  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?

  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?

  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?

    Unknown

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How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?

Access constraints: Public
Use constraints:
No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data  for individual use or aggregate use with other data.

These data were designed to characterize mid-scale patterns across the state of Idaho at a scale of approximately 1:100,000.  The use of these data at scales less than 1:100,000 is not recommended without field verification.

This data set is provided "as-is" without warranty of any kind, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness or a particular purpose.  The user assumes all responsibility for the accuracy and suitability of this dataset for a specific application.  In no event will the creators or USDA Forest Service be liable for any damages, including lost profits, lost savings, or other incidental or consequential damages arising from the use of or inability to use this data set.  Use of these data may require the ability to read ArcInfo Grid datasets.  

Although the resolution of this theme is a 90-m cell, the expected accuracy does not warrant its use for geographic extents smaller than approximately 10,000 acres.  That is, these data were not designed to be used for "project level" assessments that typically require 1:24,000 scale data.

Distributor 1 of 1

  1. Who distributes the data set?

    Bruce Godfrey
    Idaho Geospatial Data Clearinghouse
    GIS Specialist
    Box 442350
    Moscow, ID 83844-2350

    208.262.2076 (voice)
    bgodfrey@uidaho.edu

  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?

    Static Maps

  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

    Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the Idaho Geospatial Data Clearinghouse, no warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding the utility of the data on any other system, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. 

  4. How can I download or order the data?

  5. Is there some other way to get the data?

  6. What hardware or software do I need in order to use the data set?

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Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 20070731

Metadata author:
Bureau of Land Management, Idaho State Office
GIS Specialist
Bureau of Land Management
1387 S. Vinnell Way
Boise, ID 83709
USA

208-373-4000 (voice)
208-373-3949 (FAX)
Hours of Service: 8-4:30, M-F, MST

Metadata standard:
FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata(FGDC-STD-001-1998)

Metadata extensions used:
  • http://www.esri.com/metadata/esriprof80.html

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