An Opportunity to Participate in a NJ Precipitation Observation Network
Dave Robinson and Mat Gerbush
NJ Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network Coordinators
Rutgers University
A new precipitation observing network began in New Jersey on Groundhog Day, 2008. Coordinated by the Office of
the NJ State Climatologist at Rutgers University's Agricultural Experiment Station, CoCoRaHS
(Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow network) is a community-based precipitation observing network
that has rapidly expanded throughout a number of states. You may sign up by going to
http://www.cocorahs.org.
CoCoRaHS observers are trained to collect high-quality daily precipitation data. Observations are entered onto
a web form via the CoCoRaHS website, archived, and displayed on the site for end users that include meteorologists,
hydrologists, farmers, water resource managers, as well as you! The CoCoRaHS website also allows observers to
report hail and intense precipitation events, observations that are immediately relayed to the National Weather
Service for use in the issuance of warnings.
All that is needed to participate is an internet connection, a 4" diameter plastic precipitation gauge, and a
ruler for measuring snow. Training is provided for CoCoRaHS observers, either through online training modules,
or preferably, in group training sessions that will be held at several places around NJ over the coming several months.
Please consider becoming a NJ CoCoRaHS observer! You can contact us with any questions at
njcocorahs@climate.rutgers.edu.
