Watson Lake Airport

CYQH / YQH

Watson Lake, CA

Last Updated
Mar 18, 09:00Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Recent 57 min ago
09:00Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
-22°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: -24°C
2 kt
Variable
15 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
999 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR CYQH 180900Z VRB02KT 15SM FEW020 SCT080 M22/M24 A2950 RMK SC2AC2 SLP052

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 2,255 ft
FEW 2,000 ft AGL
SCT 8,000 ft AGL
🌤️
FEW
Few (1/8-2/8 sky coverage)
2,000 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
4,255 ft AMSL
SCT
Scattered (3/8-4/8 sky coverage)
8,000 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
10,255 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

VFR

Watson Lake Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with scattered clouds at 8,000 feet and 15 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are calm, presenting no crosswind concerns for any runway.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 15 SM. No ceiling exists. Cloud layers reported: few at 2,000 ft, scattered at 8,000 ft.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is -22°C (-8°F) with a dewpoint of -24°C. The temperature-dewpoint spread is very narrow, indicating saturated or near-saturated air. Fog formation or low cloud development is likely. Temperatures are at or below freezing. Check for icing conditions and ensure aircraft anti-ice/de-ice systems are operational if required.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 12 hours. The forecast shows a transition between VFR and IFR conditions. Pilots should monitor the forecast closely and have an alternate airport plan. Expected weather includes: Light Showers Snow, Light Showers Snow, FCST. Temporary IFR conditions are forecast with Light Showers Snow between 06:00Z and 09:00Z. Temporary MVFR conditions are forecast between 09:00Z and 16:00Z. Temporary MVFR conditions are forecast with Light Showers Snow, FCST between 16:00Z and 18:00Z.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours. The forecast indicates conditions may deteriorate. Ensure you have fuel reserves and a viable alternate airport.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

QNH
999 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
924 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (2,255 ft)
Pressure Alt
2,683 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: -1,216 ft
ISA Deviation: -32.5°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF CYQH 180540Z 1806/1818 VRB03KT P6SM SCT020 BKN050 TEMPO 1806/1809 1SM -SHSN VV020 FM180900 VRB03KT P6SM SCT020 BKN100 TEMPO 1809/1816 BKN020 FM181600 VRB03KT P6SM SCT040 BKN100 TEMPO 1816/1818 4SM -SHSN BKN040 RMK NXT FCST BY 181200Z
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
09:57Z BASE
+0h
VFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 5,000 ft
16:00Z FM181600
+7h
VFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 10,000 ft
16:00Z TEMPO
+7h
MVFR
Visibility: 4SM
Ceiling: 4,000 ft
Light Showers Snow, FCST

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
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
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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 5,504 ft 150 ft ASP 110° No wind data
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - CYQH

4,689 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
75.6%
MVFR
17.1%
IFR
5.6%
LIFR
1.7%

Watson Lake Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 75.6% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 7.3% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the W averaging 5.2 knots. Calm conditions occur 21.9% 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, March.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: W (270°)
Average Speed: 5.2 kt
Maximum Recorded: 23 kt
Calm Winds: 21.9%
Direction Distribution:
N
1.9%
NE
4%
E
14.1%
SE
14.8%
S
6.1%
SW
4.6%
W
19.5%
NW
13.2%

Temperature Range

Average: -11.8°C
Range: -49°C to 23°C
-49°C 23°C

Visibility

Average: 19.3 SM
Below 3 SM: 2.6%
Fog Frequency: 3.3%

Best Months for VFR

September October March

Runway Wind Analysis

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

Statistics computed from 4,689 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 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.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.