Lake Tahoe Airport

KTVL / TVL

South Lake Tahoe, US

Last Updated
Apr 30, 09:53Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 14 min ago
09:53Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
1°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: -1°C
0 kt
10 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1020 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KTVL 300953Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM CLR 01/M01 A3013 RMK AO2 SLP175 T00061006

Weather Briefing

VFR

Lake Tahoe Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies and 10 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

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

Visibility & Ceiling

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

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 1°C (34°F) with a dewpoint of -1°C. The temperature-dewpoint spread is very narrow, indicating saturated or near-saturated air. Fog formation or low cloud development is likely.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. Conditions are expected to remain VFR throughout the forecast period.

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.

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

QNH
1020 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
811 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (6,264 ft)
Pressure Alt
6,062 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 5,885 ft
ISA Deviation: -1.5°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KTVL 300520Z 3006/0106 VRB03KT P6SM SKC FM301700 03007KT P6SM SKC FM010200 02002KT P6SM FEW250
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
10:07Z BASE
+0h
VFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: >6SM
17:00Z FM301700
+7h
VFR 30° 7 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
TVL
18
36

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
18/36 8,544 ft 150 ft ASP 192°
0.0 kt 0.0 kt
168° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KTVL

7,188 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
77.4%
MVFR
17%
IFR
3.5%
LIFR
2.1%

Lake Tahoe Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 77.4% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 5.6% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 7.2 knots. Calm conditions occur 36.8% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -17°C to 25°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are March, September, October.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: S (180°)
Average Speed: 7.2 kt
Maximum Recorded: 30 kt
Calm Winds: 36.8%
Direction Distribution:
N
3.7%
NE
4.2%
E
1.1%
SE
1.9%
S
47.9%
SW
4.2%
W
0.2%
NW
0.1%

Temperature Range

Average: 3.1°C
Range: -17°C to 25°C
-17°C 25°C

Visibility

Average: 8.9 SM
Below 3 SM: 3.8%
Fog Frequency: 4.9%

Best Months for VFR

March September October

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 18/36
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 1.8 kt

Statistics computed from 7,188 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Lake Tahoe Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KTVL
IATA Code: TVL
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 6,264 ft MSL

Location

City: South Lake Tahoe
Country: US
Latitude: 38.893902°
Longitude: -119.995003°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+8

Runway Information

Runway 18/36
Length: 8,544 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Lake Tahoe Airport

Overview

Lake Tahoe Airport serves South Lake Tahoe in California, situated at a high elevation of 6,264 feet MSL. The medium-sized airport supports regional and recreational aviation in the Sierra Nevada mountain region, offering a single asphalt runway (18/36) spanning 8,544 feet.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Lake Tahoe Airport demonstrate significant variability, with visual flight rules (VFR) prevailing 76.3% of the time. Temperature ranges from -16°C to 25°C, with an average of 3.6°C, while wind patterns typically originate from the south at an average of 7.2 knots. September through November represent the most consistently favorable VFR flying months.

Notable Features

The airport's high-altitude location presents unique challenges for pilots, with terrain and elevation significantly influencing flight characteristics. Winds are predominantly southern, with 37.7% of observations showing calm conditions, and maximum recorded winds reaching 30 knots. The surrounding mountainous landscape requires careful navigation and terrain awareness.

Approach Considerations

Runway 18/36 offers favorable wind alignment 100% of the time, with an average crosswind of only 1.7 knots. Visibility averages 8.8 statute miles, though pilots should be prepared for occasional reduced visibility, with 3.8% of observations showing conditions below 3 miles and 4.9% experiencing fog.

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.