Des Moines Intl (KDSM) has 2 runways. The longest is 05/23 at 9,004 ft by 150 ft on concrete. The other runway is 13/31 at 9,001 ft by 150 ft on concrete. ILS is published for runway ends 05, 13 and 31. The field elevation is 957.9 ft MSL.
This is a towered field with a control tower open 24 hours. Informal noise abatement procedures are in effect. Expect air traffic control to assign the preferred runway. That makes runway selection an ATC item here. It is not just a wind call. Check the current FAA Chart Supplement for the latest published runway and airport data before you go.
Wind & favored runway
Favored end is picked from the current METAR wind at KDSM.
Pattern entry · RWY 31
RIGHT TRAFFICAll runways
Traffic pattern
Pattern altitude is not published. For light piston traffic, use the standard 1,000 ft AGL unless ATC assigns otherwise. KDSM is tower controlled, so ATC sequences the pattern. Runway 31 has right traffic. That is the key pattern exception to know.
Expect runway use to follow tower direction and the preferred runway in use. Keep the noise abatement note in mind. The tower may steer you to a runway that fits local procedures rather than the one you would pick from wind alone.
Every end, one page
Each runway end has its own page with wind component, traffic pattern geometry and ILS for that specific direction.