Watson Lake Airport

CYQH / YQH

Watson Lake, CA

Last Updated
Feb 7, 17:00Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 16 min ago
17:00Z

🌇 Dusk
MVFR
Flight Rules
-10°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: -11°C
15 kt
130°
10 SM
Visibility
2,200 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
1000 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR CYQH 071700Z 13015KT 10SM -SN OVC022 M10/M11 A2953 RMK SC8 SLP050

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 2,255 ft
OVC 2,200 ft AGL
☁️
OVC
Overcast (8/8 sky coverage)
2,200 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
4,455 ft AMSL
QNH
1000 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
925 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (2,255 ft)
Pressure Alt
2,653 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 194 ft
ISA Deviation: -20.5°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF CYQH 071140Z 0712/0724 VRB03KT P6SM -SN OVC012 TEMPO 0712/0715 2SM -SN OVC006 FM071500 12010G20KT 2SM -SN OVC008 TEMPO 0715/0724 6SM -SN OVC020 PROB30 0715/0724 1SM -SN BLSN RMK NXT FCST BY 071800Z
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
17:16Z BASE
+0h
IFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 1,200 ft
Light Snow

24-Hour Weather Evolution

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Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
Chart Features
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
YQH
09 ✈️
27

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 09/27
Active: 09
5,504 ft 150 ft ASP 110°
11.5 kt 9.6 kt
40° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - CYQH

3,672 observations | Sep 2025 - Feb 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
75.5%
MVFR
16.9%
IFR
5.5%
LIFR
2%

Watson Lake Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 75.5% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 7.5% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the W averaging 4.9 knots. Calm conditions occur 22.7% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -49°C to 23°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are September, October, January.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: W (270°)
Average Speed: 4.9 kt
Maximum Recorded: 21 kt
Calm Winds: 22.7%
Direction Distribution:
N
2.3%
NE
4.4%
E
12.8%
SE
13.4%
S
6.3%
SW
4.7%
W
18.8%
NW
14.4%

Temperature Range

Average: -10.4°C
Range: -49°C to 23°C
-49°C 23°C

Visibility

Average: 19.3 SM
Below 3 SM: 1.7%
Fog Frequency: 4%

Best Months for VFR

September October January

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 09/27
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 2.4 kt

Statistics computed from 3,672 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Feb 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Watson Lake Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: CYQH
IATA Code: YQH
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 2,255 ft MSL

Location

City: Watson Lake
Country: CA
Latitude: 60.116839°
Longitude: -128.821993°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+9

Runway Information

Runway 09/27
Length: 5,504 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Watson Lake Airport

Overview

Watson Lake Airport serves the remote community of Watson Lake in Yukon, Canada, located at 60.116839, -128.821993. As a medium airport situated at 2255 feet mean sea level, it provides critical aviation infrastructure for transportation in this northern region. The airport supports regional and utility aviation operations in a challenging subarctic environment.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Watson Lake Airport are predominantly visual flight rules (VFR), with 76.7% of observations supporting clear flying conditions. Prevailing westerly winds at an average of 5.1 knots characterize the airport's wind profile, with temperatures ranging dramatically from -49°C to 23°C. Pilots should anticipate seasonal variability, with the most stable VFR conditions occurring in September, October, and January.

Notable Features

The airport features a single runway (09/27) constructed of asphalt, measuring 5504 feet in length. Its high elevation and northern latitude create unique meteorological challenges, including potential rapid weather shifts. The terrain surrounding Watson Lake presents considerations for approach and departure, with typical subarctic landscape characteristics.

Approach Considerations

Runway 09/27 offers favorable wind alignment 100% of the time, with an average crosswind of only 2.5 knots. Visibility averages 19.7 statute miles, though pilots should be prepared for occasional reduced visibility periods, with 1.3% of observations showing conditions below 3 statute miles. Careful attention to current METAR information is recommended due to the potential for sudden weather changes.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.