Two programs are seeking volunteers to help monitor and report on weather conditions.
First, the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow (CoCoRaHS) network is looking for weather observers.
The network provides the largest number of daily precipitation reports in the nation. It coordinates backyard weather reports so the information is immediately available to National Weather Service, State Climate Offices, USDA, and others.
Volunteers need training and a rain gauge, both of which are free. To apply, go to http://cocorahs.org/Application.aspx. At registration, volunteers are asked to indicate they found out about CoCoRaHS through University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and note whether or not they need the required rain gauge. For information, contact Kerri Jean Ormerod, UNC Program Leader in Water, Climate, and Drought Hazards, at kormerod@unr.edu. For information about CoCoRaHS, go to http://cocorahs.org/Content.aspx?page=aboutus.
The second programs in need of volunteers is the National Weather Service’s historic Cooperative Observer Program (COOP). The NWS office in Reno operates a network of over 60 cooperative weather stations run by trained observers.
Volunteers are needed in the following locations: Yerington, Lovelock, Virginia City, Carson City, Daggett Pass, Glenbrook, Vinton, Susanville, and Topaz Lake. To help, contact Scott McGuire, NWS Observing Program Leader, at scott.mcguire@noaa.gov.
For information about COOP, go to http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/coop/Publications/coop_factsheet.pdf.