STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — The haze that socked in the Yampa Valley on Wednesday can again be attributed to wildfires burning in Northern California.

Meteorologist Matt Aleksa with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction said there is a ridge of high pressure to the west of Colorado. That is causing wind to flow clockwise around the high-pressure system and send smoke into Northwest Colorado.

“That’s causing the widespread smokiness and decreased visibility,” Aleksa said.

Relief from the haze is in sight: A trough of low pressure is moving in from the Pacific Northwest and bringing with it a chance of moisture Thursday and Friday afternoons.

Smoke in Steamboat is not from the nearby Silver Creek Fire, which grew to 781 acres Tuesday in Routt National Forest southeast of Steamboat Springs.

“Everything just kind of aligned — the topography, the weather,” U.S. Forest Service spokesman Aaron Voos said about the fire’s growth. “It’s exactly what they’ve been expecting.”

The fire is not threatening any homes, but the nearest structures are about four miles to the southeast at Latigo Ranch in Grand County.

“There isn’t any immediate threat, but we are getting questions from people on the Kremmling side,” Voos said.

Firefighters have been able to keep the fire from crossing Forest Service Road 100, also known as Buffalo Park Road, but there have been some spot fires on the east side of the road.

A Chinook helicopter arrived Wednesday at Steamboat Springs Airport to help fight the fire, which was reported June 19 and was likely caused by lightning.

Precipitation later this week could help with firefighting efforts.

July saw below-average precipitation with the official measuring station in Steamboat recording 1.06 inches. Another weather observer measured 0.24 inches for the month of July. Average is 1.52 inches. August, on average, brings 1.6 inches of rain.

To reach Matt Stensland, call 970-871-4247, email mstensland@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @SBTStensland