Oregon Freezing Fog Advisory Issued for North Central Oregon and Southern Blue Mountains Foothills as Slick Travel Threatens Highways Until Noon
OREGON — Drivers across north central Oregon and the foothills of the southern Blue Mountains are being urged to use extreme caution Monday morning after the National Weather Service issued a Freezing Fog Advisory in effect until noon. The advisory highlights the risk of slick and icy road conditions, especially along major travel routes where fog is freezing on contact with road surfaces.
Where the Freezing Fog Advisory Is in Effect
According to the National Weather Service office in Pendleton, the advisory covers parts of Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, and Wheeler counties, including communities such as:
- The Dalles
- Maupin
- Condon
- Heppner
- Areas near the southern Blue Mountains foothills
These locations are prone to freezing fog events due to cold surface temperatures combined with trapped moisture in valleys and basins.
Highways Most at Risk for Slick Conditions
The freezing fog is expected to create isolated icy patches, particularly on untreated roads, bridges, and elevated surfaces. The greatest travel concerns are along:
- U.S. Highway 97
- U.S. Highway 197
- Secondary rural roads connecting valley communities
Even roads that appear wet may be silently icing, making early-morning driving especially hazardous.
Why Freezing Fog Is Dangerous
Freezing fog differs from regular fog because tiny droplets freeze instantly when they contact cold surfaces, forming a thin glaze of ice. This can lead to:
- Sudden loss of traction
- Reduced visibility
- Unexpected slick spots, especially in shaded areas
Because the ice layer is often thin and hard to see, drivers may not realize conditions are dangerous until braking or turning.
Timing and Improvement Outlook
The advisory remains in effect through noon Monday, with improvement expected later in the day as temperatures slowly rise and fog dissipates. However, shaded areas and higher elevations may remain slick longer, even after fog clears.
Motorists traveling during the morning hours should allow extra time and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Officials recommend the following precautions during freezing fog events:
- Reduce speed and increase following distance
- Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns
- Use low-beam headlights in fog
- Be especially cautious on bridges and overpasses
Even short trips can become hazardous when freezing fog is present.
What to Watch Going Forward
While this advisory is limited to Monday morning, similar conditions could redevelop on future cold mornings if moisture remains trapped near the surface. Residents in north central Oregon should continue to monitor forecasts for additional advisories this week.
Stay with Waldron News for ongoing weather alerts, travel safety updates, and local impacts across Oregon.