Columbia Gorge Regional Airport

KDLS / DLS

Dallesport / The Dalles, US

Last Updated
Apr 24, 02:53Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Recent 37 min ago
02:53Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
13°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 2°C
21 kt
300° G33 kt
10 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1017 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KDLS 240253Z AUTO 30021G33KT 10SM CLR 13/02 A3003 RMK AO2 PK WND 31040/0201 RAE17 SLP170 P0000 60000 T01280022 55002

Weather Briefing

VFR

Columbia Gorge Regional Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies and 10 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the west-northwest (300°) at 21 knots with gusts to 33 knots. Runway 30 is favored with a 21-knot headwind and 0-knot crosswind component. Student pilots and low-time aviators should exercise caution.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 10 SM. Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 13°C (55°F) with a dewpoint of 2°C, indicating relatively dry conditions.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. Conditions are expected to remain VFR throughout the forecast period. Expect variable wind speeds ranging from 3 to 15 knots.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight. Gusty conditions may exceed demonstrated crosswind components for many general aviation aircraft. Check your aircraft's limitations.

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

QNH
1017 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1009 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (247 ft)
Pressure Alt
135 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: -46 ft
ISA Deviation: -1.5°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KDLS 232320Z 2400/2424 30015G25KT P6SM FEW250 FM240300 30010KT P6SM FEW150 FM240700 VRB03KT P6SM SCT070 SCT250 FM241700 10006KT P6SM FEW120
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
03:29Z BASE
+0h
VFR 300° 15 kt
Visibility: >6SM
07:00Z FM240700
+4h
VFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: >6SM

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
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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
DLS
07
25
12
30 ✈️

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
07/25 4,647 ft 100 ft ASP 88°
17.8 kt 11.1 kt
148° angle
✈️ 12/30
Active: 30
5,097 ft 100 ft ASP 145°
21.0 kt 0.0 kt
0° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KDLS

4,928 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
75.5%
MVFR
16.6%
IFR
4.8%
LIFR
3.1%

Columbia Gorge Regional Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 75.5% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 7.9% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the NW averaging 7.4 knots, with gusts recorded up to 33 knots. Calm conditions occur 37.9% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -7°C to 33°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are April, March, September.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: NW (315°)
Average Speed: 7.4 kt
Maximum Recorded: 33 kt
Calm Winds: 37.9%
Direction Distribution:
E
12.9%
N
2.9%
S
2.6%
W
10.8%
NE
3.5%
NW
18.8%
SE
6.8%
SW
3.8%

Temperature Range

Average: 8.3°C
Range: -7°C to 33°C
-7°C 33°C

Visibility

Average: 9.4 SM
Below 3 SM: 1%
Fog Frequency: 1.1%

Best Months for VFR

April March September

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 07/25
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5 kt
Runway 12/30
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 2.7 kt

Statistics computed from 4,928 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Columbia Gorge Regional Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KDLS
IATA Code: DLS
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 247 ft MSL

Location

City: Dallesport / The Dalles
Country: US
Latitude: 45.620979°
Longitude: -121.170777°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+8

Runway Information

Runway 07/25
Length: 4,647 ft
Width: 100 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 12/30
Length: 5,097 ft
Width: 100 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Columbia Gorge Regional Airport

Overview

Columbia Gorge Regional Airport serves the Dallesport and The Dalles area in the scenic Columbia River Gorge region. Located at 247 feet mean sea level, the medium-sized airport offers two asphalt runways supporting regional aviation operations. Its strategic position in the Columbia River Gorge provides access to a critically important transportation corridor in the Pacific Northwest.

Flying Conditions

Weather observations indicate highly favorable flying conditions, with visual flight rules (VFR) prevailing 72.3% of the time. The airport experiences a moderate temperature range from -5°C to 33°C, with an average temperature of 8.6°C. Winds predominantly come from the northwest at an average of 6.9 knots, with calm conditions occurring 39.7% of the time, suggesting generally stable atmospheric conditions.

Notable Features

The airport features two parallel asphalt runways: Runway 07/25 at 4,647 feet and Runway 12/30 at 5,097 feet. Both runways demonstrate excellent wind alignment, with 100% favorable wind conditions. The surrounding Columbia River Gorge terrain likely creates unique local wind patterns and potential mechanical turbulence that pilots should anticipate during approach and departure.

Approach Considerations

With consistent wind patterns and low average crosswind speeds (4.5 knots on 07/25 and 2.7 knots on 12/30), pilots can expect relatively straightforward approach and landing conditions. September, October, and December represent the best months for visual flying, offering the most stable weather conditions. Visibility averages 9.3 statute miles, with minimal occurrences of restricted visibility (below 3SM in only 0.9% of observations).

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.