Dense Smoke — Klamath Basin, Oregon

2007-11-05 · Klamath Basin, Oregon

Wider weather episode

Fog combined with smoke from agricultural burning caused very restricted visibilities along highway US97 about 10 miles south of Klamath Falls. A jeep rear-ended a car in the fog/smoke at 07:20 AM, and other vehicles collided with them. In all, 30 vehicles were involved, including three tractor-trailers, along a two mile long stretch of the road.

One person, who was driving one of the tractor trailers, was killed. 8 others were hospitalized with mostly minor injuries. A few others were injured who did not require hospitalization.

At the time, no restrictions to visibility were reported at the nearest ASOS in Klamath Falls (KLMT) or in Alturas (KAAT). The Montague ASOS (KSIY) reported thick freezing fog at the time, but that station was miles away on the other side of the Cascade range from the collision site.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 60126. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.