Climate Observers Wanted in Prowers County

The Colorado Climate Center in Fort Collins operates a climate observing network called CoCoRaHS, the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network.  The organization is currently looking for hundreds of new observers to track Colorado’s climate. A meteorology degree is not required to participate, just an interest in learning more about our climate through the measurement of precipitation including rain, hail and snow.

Observations are easy and take just a minute or two each day (a few extra minutes when dealing with snow). There is no cost to be involved other than time and the purchase of the standard rain gauge.  CoCoRaHS participants use the 4″ diameter gauge with 1″ inner tube, funnel lid and 10″ capacity overflow can. These can be purchased online or at science stores and usually cost about $30. These gauges are very high quality and can last for years.

Observers make daily (or as often as possible) reports to the CoCoRaHS website and daily maps are generated.

To learn more about CoCoRaHS, visit the CoCoRaHS website at www.cocorahs.org. If you would like to volunteer, click the “join us” button at the top right of the CoCoRaHS home page and fill out the short form.  Training is available online on the website.