CFB Cold Lake

CYOD / YOD

Cold Lake, CA

Last Updated
Apr 25, 11:00Z

Military Airport

Restricted

This is a Canadian Forces Base (CFB). Civil access requires prior authorization.

Access Notes:

CFB installations generally restricted to civil traffic

Consult official AIP (Canada AIP ENR 5.2) for current access procedures and restrictions.

Current Weather

Display Units
Recent 47 min ago
11:00Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
-6°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: -8°C
11 kt
340°
6 SM
Visibility
3,100 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
1014 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR CYOD 251100Z 34011KT 6SM -SN BKN031 OVC074 M06/M08 A2994 RMK SC7AC1 DENSITY ALT -510FT SLP173

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 1,775 ft
BKN 3,100 ft AGL
OVC 7,400 ft AGL
☁️
BKN
Broken (5/8-7/8 sky coverage)
3,100 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
4,875 ft AMSL
☁️
OVC
Overcast (8/8 sky coverage)
7,400 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
9,175 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

VFR

CFB Cold Lake is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with overcast skies at 7,400 feet and 6 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the north-northwest (340°) at 11 knots. Runway 31 is favored with a 10-knot headwind and 6-knot crosswind component.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 6 SM. The ceiling is 3100 feet AGL (broken), well above standard VFR minimums.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is -6°C (21°F) with a dewpoint of -8°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 24 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 Snow, Light Snow, Blowing Snow, Light Snow, FCST. Temporary IFR conditions are forecast with Light Snow, Blowing Snow between 06:00Z and 09:00Z. Temporary IFR conditions are forecast with Light Snow, Blowing Snow between 09:00Z and 16:00Z. There is a 30% probability of IFR conditions with Light Snow, Blowing Snow between 09:00Z and 11:00Z.

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
1014 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
955 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (1,775 ft)
Pressure Alt
1,753 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: -341 ft
ISA Deviation: -17.5°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF CYOD 250540Z 2506/2606 35012KT 6SM -SN SCT015 BKN030 OVC050 TEMPO 2506/2509 1 1/2SM -SN BLSN BKN015 OVC030 FM250900 35012KT 6SM -SN FEW015 BKN030 OVC050 TEMPO 2509/2516 2 1/2SM -SN BLSN BKN015 OVC030 PROB30 2509/2511 1 1/2SM -SN BLSN FM251600 35012KT P6SM SCT020 OVC030 TEMPO 2516/2519 3SM -SN BKN020 OVC030 FM251900 35012KT P6SM FEW020 BKN030 FM260100 35010KT 2SM -SN BKN020 OVC030 RMK NXT FCST BY 251200Z
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
11:47Z BASE
+0h
VFR 350° 12 kt
Visibility: 6SM
Ceiling: 3,000 ft
Light Snow
16:00Z FM251600
+5h
VFR 350° 12 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 3,000 ft
16:00Z TEMPO
+5h
MVFR
Visibility: 3SM
Ceiling: 2,000 ft
Light Snow
19:00Z FM251900
+8h
VFR 350° 12 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 3,000 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
YOD
04
22
13L
31R ✈️
13R
31L ✈️

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
04/22 8,270 ft 200 ft ASP 52°
3.4 kt 10.5 kt
72° angle
✈️ 13L/31R
Active: 31R
12,600 ft 200 ft ASP 143°
9.5 kt 5.5 kt
30° angle
✈️ 13R/31L
Active: 31L
10,000 ft 150 ft ASP 143°
9.5 kt 5.5 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 - CYOD

6,100 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
67.9%
MVFR
20.8%
IFR
8.5%
LIFR
2.8%

CFB Cold Lake typically experiences VFR conditions 67.9% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 11.3% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the E averaging 7.2 knots, with gusts recorded up to 42 knots. Temperature extremes range from -43°C to 29°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. Low visibility conditions (below 3 SM) occur in 6.9% of weather observations. The best months for VFR flying are September, October, November.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: E (90°)
Average Speed: 7.2 kt
Maximum Recorded: 42 kt
Calm Winds: 5.8%
Direction Distribution:
N
8.5%
NE
11.1%
E
15.2%
SE
13.9%
S
8.9%
SW
11.6%
W
15.2%
NW
9.8%

Temperature Range

Average: -6°C
Range: -43°C to 29°C
-43°C 29°C

Visibility

Average: 12.1 SM
Below 3 SM: 6.9%
Fog Frequency: 2.2%

Best Months for VFR

September October November

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 04/22
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.7 kt
Runway 13L/31R
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.3 kt
Runway 13R/31L
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.3 kt

Statistics computed from 6,100 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

CFB Cold Lake - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: CYOD
IATA Code: YOD
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 1,775 ft MSL

Location

City: Cold Lake
Country: CA
Latitude: 54.404999°
Longitude: -110.278999°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+7

Runway Information

Runway 04/22
Length: 8,270 ft
Width: 200 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 13L/31R
Length: 12,600 ft
Width: 200 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 13R/31L
Length: 10,000 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About CFB Cold Lake

CFB Cold Lake is a military facility. Civilian access may be restricted or require Prior Permission (PPR). Pilots should consult the CA AIP for current access procedures and restrictions.

Overview

CFB Cold Lake is a military airfield located in northeastern Alberta, serving as a critical base for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Situated at an elevation of 1775 feet MSL, the airport plays a significant role in Canadian military aviation operations and training. Its strategic location in the Cold Lake region provides an important infrastructure for national defense and aerial activities.

Flying Conditions

Weather at CFB Cold Lake demonstrates significant variability, with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions prevailing 67.7% of the time. Temperature ranges from an extreme low of -43°C to a high of 29°C, creating challenging winter and summer flying environments. The airport experiences predominantly westerly winds averaging 7 knots, with occasional gusts up to 42 knots, and calm conditions occurring 5.9% of the time.

Notable Features

The airport features three substantial asphalt runways, with lengths ranging from 8,270 to 12,600 feet, accommodating a wide variety of aircraft operations. Visibility averages 11.9 statute miles, though pilots should be prepared for reduced visibility, with conditions below 3 miles occurring in 7.3% of observations and fog present in 2.7% of reports. September through November represent the most favorable VFR months for aviation activities.

Approach Considerations

All three runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, with minimal crosswind components averaging between 3.9 and 5 knots. Runway 04/22 provides an excellent primary approach option with its 8,270-foot length and consistent wind characteristics. Pilots should anticipate potential weather fluctuations, particularly during winter months, and be prepared for rapidly changing visual meteorological conditions typical of the region.

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.