Contents

1. What is CoCoRaHS?
2. Where did the CoCoRaHS Network originate?
3. Who can participate?
4. What will our volunteer observers be doing?
5. Who uses CoCoRaHS?
6. What do we hope to accomplish?
7. Who is sponsoring this network?
8. What benefits are there in volunteering?
9. How can I sign up?

What is CoCoRaHS?

CoCoRaHS is an acronym for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network.  CoCoRaHS is a unique, non-profit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail, and snow).   By using low-cost measurement tools, emphasizing training and education, and using an interactive website, we aim to provide the highest-quality data for natural resource, education, and research applications. Read more about our history here.

Download the updated "CoCoRaHS Brochure" as a PDF (12.4 MB)
CoCoRaHS Wanted Flyer PDF (164 KB)

Where did the CoCoRaHS Network originate?

The network originated with the Colorado Climate Center at Colorado State University in 1998, thanks in part to the Fort Collins flood a year prior. Since then, CoCoRaHS has included thousands of volunteers in the Northern Hemisphere. Click here to see the order of states/countries that have joined the network.

Who can participate?

This is a community project.  Everyone can help, young, old, and in-between.  The only requirements are enthusiasm for watching and reporting weather conditions and a desire to learn more about how weather can affect our lives.

What will our volunteer observers be doing?

Each time a rain, hail, or snowstorm crosses your area, volunteers measure precipitation from as many locations as possible (see equipment).  We then record these precipitation reports on our website, www.cocorahs.org. The data are then displayed and organized for many of our end users 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.

Who uses CoCoRaHS?

A wide variety of organizations and individuals use CoCoRaHS.  The National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, city utilities (water supply, water conservation, stormwater), insurance adjusters, USDA, engineers, mosquito control, ranchers and farmers, outdoor & recreation interests, teachers, students, and neighbors in the community are just some examples of those who visit our website and use our data.

What do we hope to accomplish?

CoCoRaHS has several goals (as stated in our mission statement). 1) provide accurate, high-quality precipitation data for our many end users on a timely basis; 2) increase the density of precipitation data available throughout the country by encouraging volunteer weather observing; 3) encourage citizens to have fun participating in meteorological science and heightening their awareness about weather; 4) provide enrichment activities in water and weather resources for teachers, educators, and the community at large, to name a few. 

Who is sponsoring this network?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) have been major sponsors of CoCoRaHS. Other organizations have contributed either financially and/or with supplies and equipment.  Our list of sponsors continues to grow.  Click here to visit our sponsors’ page. Many other organizations and individuals have pitched in time and resources to help keep the network up and running. We are grateful to all of you, as CoCoRaHS would not be possible without your help.

What benefits are there in volunteering?

One of the neat things about participating in this network is leaving with the feeling that you made an important contribution that helps others.  By providing your daily observation, you help to fill in a piece of the weather puzzle that affects many across your area in one way or another. You'll also have the chance to make new friends as you do something important and learn new things along the way. In some areas, activities are organized for network participants, including training sessions, field trips, special speakers, picnics, potluck dinners, and photography contests, just to name a few.

How can I sign up?

Just click here to sign up as a CoCoRaHS Volunteer Observer or download a .pdf version of our application and return it as soon as possible.