weather service precipitation volunteers

CoCoRaHSCoCoRaHS“Because every drop counts”“Because every drop counts”

Kevin Kraujalis, Meteorologist National Weather Service DuluthCoCoRaHS Regional Coordinator

• Fort Collins flood of 1997 showed the need for rain data

• Developed by Colorado Climate Center at Colorado State University in 1998(Sponsored by the National Science Foundation)

• Expanded rapidly with now over 18,000 observers in all fifty states

CoCoRaHSCoCoRaHS

Network of volunteers • All ages and backgrounds • Measure precipitation

(rain, hail and snow)• Provide real-time quality data • Education and research applications

These reports will assist the NWS and other entities to improve

public safety, hazard awareness and

environmental understanding.

CoCoRaHS volunteers can help fill the gaps by supplementing current networks and spotter reports, providing a finer grid of observations

Wide Variety of Organizations and Individuals.

• National Weather Service• Other meteorologists• Hydrologists• Emergency managers• City utilities (water supply, water conservation, storm water)• Insurance adjusters• USDA• Engineers• Mosquito control• Ranchers and farmers• Outdoor & recreation interests• Teachers, students, and other educators• And more!

Measurements areMeasurements areplotted on base plotted on base

maps for everyone maps for everyone to see.to see.

BenefitsBenefits1.Warning Operations

2. Climate Services

3. Hydrologic Services

4. Local Research

BenefitsBenefits5. Co-op Network

6. Outreach and Partner Collaboration

7. Environmental and Science Education

Thank You For Thank You For Your Attention!Your Attention!

Questions?Questions?kevin.kraujalis@noaa.gov