CoCoRaHS is the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, & Snow Network, a group of over 20,000 volunteer weather observers nationwide. CoCoRaHS observers measure precipitation (rain, hail, and snow) that falls at their location, and share their observations online.
Reports from CoCoRaHS observers are used by many organizations at the local, state and national level, including the National Weather Service. By volunteering as an observer, you play an important role in documenting how the weather affects your community.
All you need to report precipitation for CoCoRaHS is a standard 4 inch diameter rain gauge (shown in the photo above), and internet access to relay reports via the CoCoRaHS app or website. If you don't have a rain gauge, you can still report additional observations including snowfall, snow depth, hail, significant weather reports, and condition monitoring updates.
You can report daily, during the rain or snow season, or whenever you are available to take measurements. It's up to you! We are simply grateful for any reports you can share.
Additional precipitation and snowfall reports are especially needed across greater Minnesota and Wisconsin.
This map shows precipitation reports from a recent snow event. You can help fill in the gaps by sharing your measurements!
For additional information on the network or to sign up as an observer please visit the CoCoRaHS website at: https://www.cocorahs.org
For additional information at the local level, please contact regional CoCoRaHS Coordinator Michelle Margraf, Observing Program Leader at the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, Minnesota at michelle.margraf@noaa.gov
What is CoCoRaHS? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5-sXXg9M30
The nationwide volunteer Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) is a grass-roots effort to provide precipitation reports in as many locations as possible across the country. As the saying goes "the rain doesn't fall the same on all". Due to the variability of precipitation, amounts can be quite different only a block or two away. Help fill in the gaps! The more observations, the better the understanding of the weather conditions that impact the area.
The National Weather Service uses CoCoRaHS precipitation data daily in river forecast models, flood and drought forecasts, and precipitation and snowfall maps. CoCoRaHS observers can also send the National Weather Service real-time reports of severe weather including hail, flooding, blizzards, ice storms, wind damage, and excessive rainfall totals, which greatly assist meteorologists with determining the impact of storms on local communities. Your reports will truly make a difference!
"Because Every Drop (and Snowflake) Counts"