The article describes the morning winter fog in Unalakleet, Alaska on December 20, 2016. John Henry observed a fog-like haze in the community, similar to ice fog in Fairbanks. Rick Thoman from the National Weather Service Alaska Region explains that the fog was produced by a layer of moisture air trapped near the ground, likely from open leads in Norton Sound. Temperatures were too warm for ice fog, which typically occurs with temperatures lower than -30F. The photo of the grass shows heavy frost, indicating water droplet fog. Thoman suggests it would be interesting to know if vehicles had a thick frost or glaze on windshields.

John Henry writes:

In the early morning on Tuesday, December 20th, I felt the cool mist in the air and noticed a fog-like haze in the community. I liken this condition to something in which I have observed in Fairbanks in times past during this time-of-the year with their ice fog.

National Weather Service Alaska Region Consult from Rick Thoman:

Mr. Henry's photos are nice examples of winter fog produced by a layer of moisture air trapped near the ground. The moisture was likely from open leads in Norton Sound. Temperatures during this time were near or just above 0F, so too warm for ice fog, which typically occurs with temperatures lower than -30F. The photo of the grass appears to show heavy frost, which would be a sure sign of water droplet fog. It would be interesting to know if vehicles had a thick frost or even glaze on windshields. Thoman R. Climate Science and Services Manager, NWS NOAA.