In a sparsely populated area, like much of Wyoming is, the importance of having a volunteer network to report on precipitation cannot be emphasized enough. The Community, Collaborative, Rain, Hail and Snow network, more commonly known as CoCoRaHS, is that program.
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, the program has become nationwide with thousands of volunteers.
The community-based network of volunteers works together to measure and map precipitation by using low-cost measurement tools. Volunteers receive training and education on how to accurately report and measure precipitation. That information is used by the National Weather Service, hydrologists and emergency managers.
If you'd like more information or would like to become part of CoCoRaHS, visit the website below.
http://www.cocorahs.org/
