Fossil, OR Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Fossil, Wheeler County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Fossil?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 22 days in the Foothills of the Southern Blue Mountains of Oregon forecast zone and Wheeler County — the most common reported hazard around Fossil, mostly in February and December. Next come high winds (17 days) and flooding (7 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 22 | Feb 2024 | — |
| High winds | 17 | Nov 2024 | Nov 15, 2010 · $20,000 damage |
| Flooding | 7 | May 2020 | Apr 9, 2019 · $1.0 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 6 | Apr 2019 | Jun 4, 2007 · $6,000 damage |
| Wildfires | 5 | Aug 2018 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 5 | Jun 2016 | Aug 4, 2003 · $1,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 3 | Jul 2022 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 2 | Dec 2013 | — |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996–2026 (the latest year is partial). A "day" is a date with at least one report in the Foothills of the Southern Blue Mountains of Oregon forecast zone and Wheeler County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Fossil?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KPDT (Pendleton, OR), about 82 miles northeast. Radar beams climb as they travel, so the height of the lowest scan over town decides how low in a storm the radar can see.
| Radar | Distance | Lowest beam over Fossil | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KPDT Pendleton, OR | 82 mi northeast | 7,100 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KRTX Portland, OR | 142 mi west-northwest | 16,700 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KOTX Spokane, WA | 223 mi north-northeast | 35,100 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
Beam height is the center of the 0.5° scan above the radar, with standard refraction. Mountains near a radar can block it further.
Tornado & hail history near Fossil
NOAA has no tornado on record within 25 miles of Fossil since 1950.
Hail: 14 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 1 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on July 9, 1995.
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center — tornadoes 1950–2025, hail 1955–2025. Distances are to each tornado's track; ratings before February 2007 use the original Fujita scale.
On TALON you get Fossil's live radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks with arrival times and NWS warnings free; close-up radar and rotation detection are part of TALON Pro.
Fossil radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Fossil, OR?
KPDT (Pendleton, OR), about 82 miles northeast. KRTX (Portland, OR) is 142 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Fossil?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Fossil the lowest scan from KPDT is about 7,100 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Fossil free?
Yes — the US radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and NWS warnings are free in any browser. Close-up radar, rotation detection and longer forecasts are part of TALON Pro.
Should I rely on radar for my safety?
No app replaces official warnings. When the National Weather Service issues a warning for Fossil, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Heppner, OR radar 40 mi
- Madras, OR radar 52 mi
- Metolius, OR radar 55 mi
- Prineville, OR radar 58 mi
- Culver, OR radar 59 mi
- The Dalles, OR radar 62 mi