CoCoRaHS (pronounced Koh Koh Rawz) has expanded to include all the Inland Northwest! The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network or CoCoRaHS is a growing, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, who take daily measurements of rain, hail and snow in their backyards. Washington joined the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) in June 2008 and Idaho was he 37th state to join the network in January 2009.

This supplemental network, which began in the late 1990s in Colorado, allows volunteer precipitation observers to collect and enter rainfall, snowfall, hail and snow reports via a web-based system.  The data supplement current observation networks (e.g. NWS Cooperative Observers) and are displayed on maps that can be accessed by anyone 24/7 with Internet capabilities.  CoCoRaHS is also a great educational tool.

Summary of the latest CoCoRaHS observations

Training Sessions
Several interactive web-based as well as in-person training sessions have been conducted. We plan to focus on winter weather training on the upcoming remote training sessions. The remote training is interactive web-based and conducted using GoToMeeting software with registration required. All you need is an Internet connection, preferably high-speed, and a separate telephone line. Please contact Robin Fox <robin.fox@noaa.gov> for additional information and registration.

• Monday, November 16th @ 7 pm - Go-To meeting
• Tuesday, December 1st @ 7 pm - Go-To meeting

You can also access an excellent training module at the link below.

• Self-paced On-line Training Module
  

Why Do We Need Volunteer Precipitation Observers?
Each time a rain, hail or snow storm crosses your area, volunteers are needed take measurements of precipitation from as many locations as possible since precipitation can vary significantly across short distances within our region.  These precipitation reports are recorded on the CoCoRaHS web site www.cocorahs.org The data are then displayed and organized for many of our end users, including the National Weather Service, to analyze and apply to daily situations ranging from water resource analysis and severe storm warnings to neighbors comparing how much rain fell in their backyards.

First, visit the CoCoRaHS webpage and learn about the program. If you would like to become an observer, you can sign up online.

If you're interested in being a Volunteer Coordinator for your local area, or county, then contact your regional or state CoCoRaHS coordinators and let them know! A list of coordinators can be found here.

What Do I Need?
Each observer will need:

• Enthusiasm and desire to watch the weather.
• Willingness and dedication to take regular daily precipitation measurements, preferably between 6-9 AM.
• Participate in a group or online training session.
• A manual 4-inch rain gauge, available through a preferred online CoCoRaHS vendor.
  
• Computer with internet access.

Interested in Becoming a CoCoRaHS Observer?
Visit www.cocorahs.org and download an application. An on-line version is also available.