NWS-Shreveport Cooperative Observer Program

"From its inception, the National Weather Service has relied heavily on cooperative weather observers for establishment and maintenance of the nation's climatic database. It follows that appointing, training, and keeping good observers is a very high priority."

What Is the COOP?

How Do I Become a COOP Observer?

Information for Local Observers

Local COOP Reports

COOP Award Information

What is the Cooperative Observer Program?

The National Weather Service (NWS) Cooperative Observer Program (Coop) is truly the Nation's weather and climate observing network of, by and for the people. More than 8,700 volunteers take observations on farms, in urban and suburban areas, National Parks, seashores, and mountaintops. The data are truly representative of where people live, work and play.

The Coop was formally created in 1890 under the Organic Act. Its mission is two-fold:

To provide observational meteorological data, usually consisting of daily maximum and minimum temperatures, snowfall, and 24-hour precipitation totals, required to define the climate of the United States and to help measure long-term climate changes
To provide observational meteorological data in near real-time to support forecast, warning and other public service programs of the NWS.

Coop observational data supports the NWS climate program and field operations. The program responsibilities include:

Selecting data sites
Recruiting, appointing and training of observers
Installing and maintaining equipment
Keeping station documentation observer payroll
Collecting data and its delivering it to users
Maintaining data quality control
Managing fiscal and human resources required to accomplish program objectives.

A cooperative station is a site where observations are taken or other services rendered by volunteers or contractors. Observers are not required to take any tests. Automatic observing stations are considered cooperative stations if their observed data are used for services which otherwise would be provided by cooperative observers. A cooperative station may be collocated with other types of observing stations such as standard observations stations, Flight Service Stations, etc. In these cases, that portion of the station observing program supporting the cooperative program's mission is treated and documented independently of the other observational and service programs.

Observers generally record temperature and precipitation daily and electronically send those reports daily to the NWS and the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). Many cooperative observers provide additional hydrological or meteorological data, such as evaporation or soil temperatures. Data is transmitted via telephone, computer or, in special cases, by mail. Equipment used at NWS cooperative stations may be owned by the NWS, the observer, or by a company or other government agency, as long as it meets NWS equipment standards.

The first network of cooperative stations was set up as a result of an act of Congress in 1890 that established the Weather Bureau, but many Coop stations began operation long before that time. John Campanius Holm's weather records, taken without the benefit of instruments in 1644-45, were the earliest known observations in the United States. Subsequently many persons, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, maintained weather records. Thomas Jefferson maintained an almost unbroken record of weather observations between 1776 and 1816, and George Washington took his last observation just a few days before he died.

Two of the most prestigious awards given to Cooperative Weather Observers are named after Holm and Jefferson. Because of its many decades of relatively stable operation, high station density, and high proportion of rural locations, the Cooperative Network has been recognized as the most definitive source of information on U.S. climate trends for temperature and precipitation. Cooperative stations form the core of the U.S. Historical Network (HCN) and the U.S. Reference Climate Network.

Volunteer weather observers conscientiously contribute their time so that observations can provide the vital information needed. These data are invaluable in learning more about the floods, droughts, heat and cold waves affecting us all. The data are also used in agricultural planning and assessment, engineering, environmental-impact assessment, utilities planning, and litigation. Coop data plays a critical role in efforts to recognize and evaluate the extent of human impacts on climate from local to global scales.

Facts about the COOP Program

How to Become a Cooperative Observer

NWS Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) staff at 121 locations nationwide recruit Cooperative Observers. Station locations are not selected by NWS Regional or National Headquarters.

The distribution of Cooperative Weather Stations is a function of need. Needs are defined by data users and considered within the context of constraints of limited federal resources.

The basic distribution of Cooperative stations in the network are governed by an 1953 Iowa State University study, which determined that a spacing of about one station every 25 miles (one per 625 square miles) was sufficient to adequately define the climate of the United States in areas of homogeneous terrain. Greater densities are allowed in areas with large differences in elevation, urban heat islands, steep land-sea-lake interfaces, etc.

Because the network is 110 years old (established in 1890), many areas already have the necessary stations operating; however, about 200 observers resign each year, about 4 per state. Additionally, changing requirements can expand the need for observers.

Becoming an NWS Cooperative observer volunteer requires the following:

Dedication to public service
Attention to detail
Ability to learn and perform daily duties
Willingness to allow NWS to place measuring instruments on your property
Willingness to allow at least one visit per year from a NWS representative.

Additionally, the following capabilities are useful but are not mandatory:

Ownership of a personal computer with modem and familiarity with its basic uses
Established internet access.

If you are selected to become an official NWS Cooperative station, NWS will provide you with the training and supervision you will need to perform your duties. Depending on your station's instrumentation, your site will be visited once or twice every 12 months, more if unscheduled maintenance or training updates are required.

Generally, volunteer observers receive no pay. Sometimes, because of special circumstances, exceptions are made locally. Questions regarding monthly stipends can be answered by your local NWS representative.

If you are interested in becoming an NWS Cooperative observer for NWS-Shreveport, contact Observing Program Leader, Aaron Stevens.

Quick Reference Guide

COOP Newsletter (National Publication)

WxCoder III

Latest COOP Daily Temperature and Rainfall Data

Latest COOP Rainfall Data

                        
712
SRUS44 KSHV 201507
RRMSHV

MISCELLANEOUS HYDROLOGIC DATA REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SHREVEPORT LA
ISSUED BY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORT WORTH TX
907 AM CST WED NOV 20 2024

RAINFALL REPORTS FOR THE 24 HOUR PERIOD ENDING AT 8 AM.

NORTHERN LOUISIANA:
STATION               RAINFALL     STATION RAINFALL
                    SAT.    MAN.                       SAT.     MAN.
                    GAGE    GAGE                       GAGE     GAGE
ARCADIA                        M   MANY 9WSW                       M
BENTLEY 3E          0.01           MONROE                          M
BENTON 5E                      M   NATCHITOCHES #2              0.00
CADDO LAKE                  0.00   NATCHITOCHES RAWS   1.29
CALHOUN                        M   RED RIVER LOCK 3       M
COLUMBIA LOCK               0.00   RED RIVER LOCK 4       M
GUM SPRINGS RAWS    0.00           RED RIVER LOCK 5    0.15
HOMER RAWS          0.01           RUSTON-LA TECH                  M
HOMER 1N                    0.00   SAILES                          M
JAMESTOWN                      M   SPRINGHILL 3E       0.00
JENA 4WSW                      M   TAYLORTOWN                   0.00
KEITHVILLE                     M   WEST MONROE                     M
LOGANSPORT                  0.00

SHREVEPORT AND BOSSIER CITY METROPOLITAN AREA:
BARKSDALE AFB                  M   RED RIVER-DOWNTOWN     M
DOWNTOWN AIRPORT               M   SHREVEPORT AP                   M
RED RIVER RESEARCH          0.00   SOUTHERN HILLS               0.00
UNIV. TERRACE                  M

SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS:
ASHDOWN                     0.00   FELSENTHAL          0.00
BLUFF CITY RAWS     0.00           HOPE 3NE                        M
DEQUEEN                     0.00   HORATIO             0.00
DEQUEEN AIRPORT                M   INDEX-RED RIVER     0.00
DEQUEEN 4W          0.00           LEWISVILLE                   0.00
DEQUEEN 7E          0.00           MAGNOLIA                        M
DIERKS                         M   MILLWOOD DAM        0.00        M
DIERKS 4SW          0.02           NASHVILLE                    0.00
DIERKS DAM          0.01           PRESCOTT                        T
EL DORADO AIRPORT              M   TEXARKANA AIRPORT            0.01

EAST TEXAS:
ALTO 8E             0.00           LONGVIEW                        M
ALTO 8SW            0.01           LONGVIEW #2                     M
AVERY 5NNW                     M   LUFKIN AIRPORT                  M
ANNONA RAWS         0.00           LUFKIN #2                    0.40
CADDO LAKE RAWS     0.00           LUFKIN 5W RAWS      0.00
CARTHAGE                       M   MARIETTA RAWS       0.00
CENTER                      0.00   MARSHALL                     0.00
CHALK HILL                     M   MAUD                            M
CUTHAND 2N             M           MINEOLA                         M
CLARKSVILLE 2NE                M   MOUNT PLEASANT               0.00
CLARKSVILLE RAWS    0.00           MOUNT VERNON                    M
CHAPMAN LAKE                0.00   NACOGDOCHES                     M
DEKALB 13NNW        0.01           NACOGDOCHES AIRPORT             M
DETROIT RAWS        0.00           NECHES 4NE          0.00
DIBOLL 4S           0.01           NEW BOSTON                   0.00
GILMER RAWS         0.00           NEW SUMMERFIELD 2W              M
HALLSVILLE 1W               0.00   PITTSBURG 5E        0.00
HENDERSON                   0.00   ROCKLAND            0.00
HENDERSON RAWS      0.00           RUSK                            M
JACKSONVILLE                0.00   SABINE RAWS-DREKA   0.00
JACKSONVILLE 7E     0.01           SAN AUGUSTINE                0.00
JEFFERSON                   0.00   SAN AUGUSTINE 10S   0.00
JEFFERSON 1N        0.00           STRYKER CREEK LK    0.01
JEFFERSON 3S        0.00           SULPHUR BLUFF       0.00
JONESVILLE                  0.00   S SABINE CO. RAWS   0.00
LK CYPRESS SPRINGS  0.00           TALCO 5NE           0.00
LAKE SAM RAYBURN    0.01           TALCO 3S            0.00
LAKE WRIGHT PATMAN     M           TEXARKANA                    0.01
LINDEN                         M   TEXARKANA RAWS      0.00
LINDEN RAWS         0.00           TOLEDO BEND                     M
LONGVIEW AIRPORT               M   TYLER                        0.00
LBJCK RAWS-APPLEBY  0.01           TYLER AIRPORT                   M

SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA:
BATTIEST                    0.00   HONOBIA             0.00
BROKEN BOW 1N                  M   HUGO DAM            0.00
BROKEN BOW DAM      0.00           IDABEL 5NE          0.04
BROKEN BOW RAWS     0.00           IDABEL                 M
GLOVER 1N              M           PINE CREEK DAM      0.00

$$

Latest Local CoCoRaHS Reports

                        
193
SXUS54 KSHV 201728
LCOSHV

COCORAHS PRECIPITATION SUMMARY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SHREVEPORT LA
1127 AM CST WED NOV 20 2024

COCORAHS PRECIPITATION REPORTS
THESE REPORTS ARE CONSIDERED SUPPLEMENTAL AND UNOFFICIAL
VALUES ARE FOR THE PREVIOUS 24 HOURS ENDING AROUND 7 AM LOCAL TIME

.B SHV 1120 C DH07/PP/SF/SD/SW
:
:COCORAHS PRECIPITATION REPORTS IN NORTHWEST LOUISIANA
:
:                                               SNOW   SNOW  WATER
:                                        PCPN   FALL  DEPTH  EQUIV
:
LACD01  : SHREVEPORT 6.2 S         *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /  0.0 / 0.00
LANT02  : NATCHITOCHES 0.9 NE      *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /  0.0 / 0.00
LACD04  : SHREVEPORT 6.3 S         *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
LACD12  : KEITHVILLE 1.5 NNW       *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
LABS01  : BOSSIER CITY 6.7 NNW     *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
LABS19  : BOSSIER CITY 4.0 S       *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
LACB01  : HOMER 1.2 N              *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
LALN03  : RUSTON 5.5 NNW           *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
LALN08  : RUSTON 5.4 ENE           *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
LAOC01  : SWARTZ 2.0 SSW           *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
LAOC16  : CALHOUN 4.3 SSE          *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
LAOC23  : MONROE 5.5 ENE           *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
LAJC03  : QUITMAN 2.5 E            *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
LASN07  : NOBLE 1.8 ESE            *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
LANT06  : CAMPTI 5.7 ENE           *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
LACW03  : COLUMBIA 4.1 NNW         *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
:
:COCORAHS PRECIPITATION REPORTS IN SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS
:
:                                               SNOW   SNOW  WATER
:                                        PCPN   FALL  DEPTH  EQUIV
:
ARML03  : TEXARKANA 5.3 SSW        *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
ARML11  : FOUKE 5.3 ENE            *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
ARHM05  : HOPE 0.9 SSW             *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
:
:COCORAHS PRECIPITATION REPORTS IN EAST TEXAS
:
:                                               SNOW   SNOW  WATER
:                                        PCPN   FALL  DEPTH  EQUIV
:
TXHRS12 : MARSHALL 9.7 SE          *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
TXHRS17 : MARSHALL 3.1 E           *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
TXHRS19 : HARLETON 4.6 WSW         *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
TXCSS05 : ATLANTA 0.3 E            *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
TXCSS08 : DOUGLASSVILLE 1.5 SE     *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
TXBWE01 : DE KALB 0.1 SSW          *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
TXBWE07 : DE KALB 1.9 E            *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
TXWD02  : WINNSBORO 0.7 SSW        *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
TXWD08  : HAWKINS 2.6 N            *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
TXUP08  : BIG SANDY 3.9 E          *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
TXGG07  : LONGVIEW 0.9 E           *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
TXSM16  : WHITEHOUSE 1.2 SW        *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
TXSM23  : TYLER 1.7 NE             *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
TXSM31  : WHITEHOUSE 0.8 ESE       *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
TXSM33  : BULLARD 2.9 N            *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
TXCHK01 : BULLARD 3.7 E            *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
TXRS08  : HENDERSON 7.0 SSW        *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
TXNC05  : NACOGDOCHES 9.5 NE       *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
TXAG02  : ZAVALLA 2.0 ESE          *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
:
:COCORAHS PRECIPITATION REPORTS IN SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA
:
:                                               SNOW   SNOW  WATER
:                                        PCPN   FALL  DEPTH  EQUIV
:
OKMN05  : IDABEL 2.3 SE            *   : 0.00 / 0.0 /   MM /   MM
:
.END

$$

*"Over the years, a method of selecting and rewarding observers for excellence in observing, recording and reporting weather data has evolved into the Cooperative Weather Observer Awards Program."*

Thomas Jefferson Award
This award was named in honor of Thomas Jefferson, our third president, who kept an almost unbroken series of weather records from 1776 to 1816. The Thomas Jefferson Award is the most prestigious award for the cooperative weather observer. Only five cooperatives weather observers are honored each year with the Jefferson Award for outstanding and distinctive achievements. All candidates for the award are required to have been a recipient of the Holm Award five or more years before the data the nomination form is submitted for the Jefferson Award. Click here to see local Thomas Jefferson Award recipients from the Shreveport National Weather Service Office.

John Campanius Holm Award
This award was named in honor of John Campanius Holm, a Lutheran minister who was the first person recognized to have taken systematic weather observations in the American Colonies (1644-1645). Each year, twenty-five cooperative weather observers nationwide are honored with the John Campanius Holm Award for outstanding accomplishments in the field of cooperative weather observations. Click here to see local Holm Award recipients from the Shreveport National Weather Service Office.

Honored Institution Awards
Honored Institution Awards are given to cooperative observation institutions such as police departments, fire stations, paper mills, and universities where observations have been taken for a minimum of 25 years. During that period, different individual observers often take the weather observations. Awards can be granted at 25, 50, 75, and even 100 years. Click here to see local Honored Institution Award recipients from the Shreveport National Weather Service Office.

Length of Service Awards
As with full-time employees, the NWS presents cooperative observers with length of service emblems every five years, starting at 10 to 50 years of service. Click here to see local Length of Service Award recipients from the Shreveport National Weather Service Office.