Cut Bank International Airport

KCTB / CTB

Cut Bank, US

Last Updated
Apr 23, 02:56Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 5 min ago
02:56Z

🌙 Night
MVFR
Flight Rules
4°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 1°C
25 kt
340° G38 kt
10 SM
Visibility
1,300 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
1004 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KCTB 230256Z AUTO 34025G38KT 10SM BKN013 OVC024 04/01 A2966 RMK AO2 PK WND 35046/0225 SLP043 60000 T00390011 53033

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 3,854 ft
BKN 1,300 ft AGL
OVC 2,400 ft AGL
☁️
BKN
Broken (5/8-7/8 sky coverage)
1,300 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
5,154 ft AMSL
☁️
OVC
Overcast (8/8 sky coverage)
2,400 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
6,254 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

MVFR

Cut Bank International Airport is currently reporting marginal VFR (MVFR) conditions with overcast skies at 2,400 feet and 10 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the north-northwest (340°) at 25 knots with gusts to 38 knots. Runway 31 is favored with a 22-knot headwind and 13-knot crosswind component (gusting to 19 knots crosswind). These are strong winds that may exceed crosswind limits for light aircraft.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 10 SM. The ceiling is 1300 feet AGL (broken), placing conditions in the MVFR category.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 4°C (39°F) with a dewpoint of 1°C. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread suggests high humidity and potential for visibility restrictions, especially during cooling periods.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 22 hours. Conditions are expected to fluctuate between VFR and MVFR. VFR pilots should be prepared for deteriorating conditions. Expected weather includes: Light Rain, Mist, Light Snow, Mist. Winds are forecast to reach up to 30 knots during the period. There is a 30% probability of MVFR conditions with Light Snow, Mist between 07:00Z and 13:00Z.

Pilot Recommendations

VFR pilots should exercise caution. Consider filing IFR if instrument rated, or postponing the flight if conditions are expected to deteriorate further. Gusty conditions may exceed demonstrated crosswind components for many general aviation aircraft. Check your aircraft's limitations. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours.

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

QNH
1004 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
876 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (3,854 ft)
Pressure Alt
4,132 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 3,737 ft
ISA Deviation: -3.3°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KCTB 230203Z 2302/2324 33030G40KT 6SM -RA BR OVC015 FM230700 33025G35KT P6SM OVC015 PROB30 2307/2313 6SM -SN BR OVC015 FM231400 33025G35KT P6SM OVC015 FM231700 33025G35KT P6SM BKN050
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
03:00Z BASE
+0h
MVFR 330° 30 kt
Visibility: 6SM
Ceiling: 1,500 ft
Light Rain, Mist
07:00Z FM230700
+4h
MVFR 330° 25 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 1,500 ft
07:00Z PROB30
+4h
MVFR
Visibility: 6SM
Ceiling: 1,500 ft
Light Snow, Mist
14:00Z FM231400
+11h
MVFR 330° 25 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 1,500 ft

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
Chart Features
  • • Hover for exact values and timestamps
  • • Click legend items to toggle data series
  • • Zoom and pan for detailed analysis
  • • Units automatically converted to preferences
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
CTB
05
23
13
31 ✈️

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
05/23 5,299 ft 75 ft ASP 64°
2.6 kt 24.9 kt
84° angle
✈️ 13/31
Active: 31
5,300 ft 75 ft ASP 152°
21.7 kt 12.5 kt
30° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KCTB

5,956 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
81.8%
MVFR
10.1%
IFR
5%
LIFR
3.1%

Cut Bank International Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 81.8% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the W averaging 13.6 knots, with gusts recorded up to 55 knots. Temperature extremes range from -27°C to 28°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are September, February, January.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: W (270°)
Average Speed: 13.6 kt
Maximum Recorded: 55 kt
Calm Winds: 5.8%
Direction Distribution:
N
17.1%
NE
3.5%
E
5.1%
SE
8%
S
5.4%
SW
11.3%
W
36%
NW
7.8%

Temperature Range

Average: 1.2°C
Range: -27°C to 28°C
-27°C 28°C

Visibility

Average: 9.4 SM
Below 3 SM: 2.5%
Fog Frequency: 1.8%

Best Months for VFR

September February January

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 05/23
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 7.7 kt
Runway 13/31
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 9.6 kt

Statistics computed from 5,956 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Cut Bank International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KCTB
IATA Code: CTB
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 3,854 ft MSL

Location

City: Cut Bank
Country: US
Latitude: 48.608657°
Longitude: -112.378183°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+7

Runway Information

Runway 05/23
Length: 5,299 ft
Width: 75 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 13/31
Length: 5,300 ft
Width: 75 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Cut Bank International Airport

Overview

Cut Bank International Airport serves the regional transportation needs of northwestern Montana, located near the Canadian border. Situated at an elevation of 3854 ft MSL, the airport provides medium-level airport services in a rural landscape. Its two parallel asphalt runways offer substantial length and operational flexibility for various aircraft types.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at KCTB demonstrate significant variability, with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) predominating at 83.1% of observations. Pilots can expect predominantly westerly winds averaging 12.9 knots, with temperature ranges from -27°C to 28°C. The airport experiences limited adverse weather, with only 4.1% IFR and 3% LIFR conditions, making it generally accessible throughout the year.

Notable Features

The airport features two parallel runways (05/23 and 13/31), both approximately 5300 feet in length, constructed of asphalt surface. Its high elevation and proximity to mountainous terrain require careful navigation and performance considerations. Both runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, with modest average crosswind components of 7.1 and 9.2 knots respectively.

Approach Considerations

Pilots should anticipate consistent westerly wind patterns when planning approaches. Visibility averages 9.5 statute miles, with minimal fog occurrence (1.7%) and rare low visibility events. September, January, and October statistically offer the most favorable VFR conditions, providing optimal flying environments for pilots navigating this northwestern Montana airport.

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.