Frequently asked
Is it safe to fly a drone in Cooke City today?
The live score above pulls today's forecast and scores wind, gusts, visibility, precipitation, and temperature into a single flight verdict. 90+ is ideal. Below 60, conditions require caution or postponement. Cooke City sits at 7,600 feet in a narrow mountain valley at the northeast entrance to Yellowstone — one of the snowiest and most weather-exposed gateway towns in the region. Snow can fall any month; cold temperatures significantly affect battery performance.
Where can I fly a drone near Cooke City?
Yellowstone National Park prohibits drone use starting at the northeast entrance just west of town. Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness — surrounding Cooke City on multiple sides — is also off-limits to drones. Small pockets of non-wilderness Custer-Gallatin National Forest land near town may offer options; verify current USFS guidance and check FAA B4UFLY before every flight.
What wind speed is too high for drone flying?
Above 10–12 mph sustained, footage quality degrades. Above 20 mph or with gusts 15+ mph above sustained wind, most consumer drones are at risk. At 7,600 feet, Cooke City has one of the shortest reliable flying seasons in the gateway Yellowstone area — wind and cold combine to create demanding conditions, and mountain weather can arrive faster than forecasts predict.
What is DroneCast by LightCast Suite?
DroneCast scores flight conditions using wind, gusts, precipitation, visibility, and temperature. GoldCast (same app) scores golden hour quality and timing. Free on web at
lightcastsuite.com/dronecast, full features in the
LightCast iOS app. $2.99/month after a 7-day free trial.
