CoCoRaHS, NWS Burlington, VT

Direct questions/comments to Seth Kutikoff, CoCoRaHS Coordinator for Northern NY & Vermont

Welcome
For New Observers
Additional Training Material
The Interactive CoCoRaHS Map
Help Fill Holes in the Map
Frequently Asked Questions
NWS BTV's 15 Year Club!

Welcome to the northern New York & Vermont CoCoRaHS Webpage!

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, stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive website, CoCoRaHS aims to build high quality data for natural resource, education and research applications.

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

What benefits are there in volunteering?

One of the neat things about participating in this network is coming away with the feeling that you have 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.

After enough time, your data can be used to demonstrate changes in climate or the range of potential weather conditions over time. Your data will become part of the global climate record through precipitation data stored at the National Centers for Environmental Information.

Expect active engagement via emails before big events and on a seasonal basis. Long-standing, consistent reporters will be recognized via certificates.

How can I sign up?

Just click here to sign up as a CoCoRaHS Volunteer Observer.

Welcome New Observers!

Thank you for joining!

You should have received a welcome email from your state and/or local coordinator with all the information you need to get started. Below is some of the training material you'll want to check out from CoCoRaHS HQ.

Training Materials:

The Basics, including Daily and Significant Weather Reports

Two Minute Guide to Entering Your Data: Website (youtube video)

Snowfall Measurement Guide from the National Weather Service: NWS Guidelines to Measure Snow (same guidelines as CoCoRaHS)

Deep Dive Into Winter Precipitation Measurements: Winter Slide Show

Weekly Condition Monitoring Report (Optional): Guide to Monitoring your Local Conditions

Training Videos

How To Measure Rain & CoCoRaHS 101	How to Measure Winter Precipitation

Getting Started	Daily Precipitation When It Snows


CoCoRaHS Website Training 101	How to Set up for Measuring Snow


How to Measure Extreme Rain	How to Measure New Snow Depth


Observation Notes and Comments	Freezing Rain


How the Rain Gauge Works	Flaky Snow Situations and Solutions


The Story of CoCoRaHS	How to Measure Total Snow Depth (Old and New) & Liquid Water Equivalent (How to take a Snow Core)

May not work properly in Firefox

Updated Fall 2026: Help Fill Holes in the Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: I took a rainfall or snowfall measurement outside of my normal morning observation time. How can I send it to the National Weather Service in Burlington, VT?	Answer: Send your rainfall or snowfall report directly to us here or via our social media platforms (@NWSBurlington - Twitter/X or Facebook.com/NWSBurlington). Be sure to include the time of your observation, location and other important details. Of course, still submit your snowfall or rainfall report on the CoCoRaHS website or through the CoCoRaHS app as you normally would.
Question: Do I have to submit anything if there was no rain or snow?	Answer: Yes, please! Entering zeros on dry days make your weather records complete and also assist meteorologists, hydrologists and other decision makers learn just how wet or dry certain areas have been.
Question: What time should I report?	Answer: Between 5am and 9am is preferred because that's when we gather and quality control morning weather observations. We understand there may be days where you cannot report. That's ok. Feel free to submit a "multi-day report".
Question: I made a mistake. How do I fix it?	Answer: Read this step by step guide to edit your data.
Question: I only have time to measure the snow and do not have time to wait for the snow in the gauge to melt. What should I do?	Answer: Submit your snowfall amount under "accumulation of new snowfall" and leave "NA" (meaning not available) for "rain and/or melted snow". Do not just take your snow measurement and convert it to a decimal for your rain/melted snow (i.e if you measure 5.3" of new snow, do not enter 5.3" for your rain/melted snow.)
Question: How much snow should I report if it all melts or blow away by the time I go outside to take my morning observation?	Answer: The amount you enter under "accumulation of new snow" should be the maximum accumulation of new snow prior to any melting, blowing, or settling. Therefore, you may have to measure your new snowfall soon after the snow stops since by 7/8 A.M. your new snow may be reduced or completely gone. For example, say it snows between 11am and 5pm and you measure 2.3" at 5pm. The next morning at 7/8am, you go outside to measure and only 0.4" of snow is left due to melting. You should still report 2.3" since that is the maximum amount of snow that fell during your 24-hour observation period. If you would like to report your snow measurement to the National Weather Service in Burlington, VT before 7/8am, send us your report via social media (Twitter/X - @NWSBurlington or Facebook.com/NWSBurlington) or submit a report here. Be sure to include your location, amount and time of observation.
Question: If snow fell at my house between 11am and 5pm today and it's January 1, do I enter it for January 1 or do I wait until 7/8am tomorrow January 2?	Answer: Please remember the new 24-hour snowfall amount should be reported the morning of your next observation which may not be the calendar day on which it fell. For example, if 2.3" of new snow fell between 11am and 5pm on January 1, your report of 2.3" should be submitted on January 2 NOT January 1 since January 2 will be your next observation time. If you would like to report your snow measurement to the National Weather Service in Burlington, VT before 7/8am, send us your report via social media (Twitter/X - @NWSBurlington or Facebook.com/NWSBurlington) or submit a report here. Be sure to include your location, amount and time of observation.
Question: Both rain and snow fell at my house over the last 24 hours. What do I enter in under "rain/melted snow" and what do I enter for the "melted value of the core" under "new snow"?	Answer: The total amount of precipitation in your rain gauge (combination of rain and melted down snow) will go in the "rain and melted snow" section. After you measure snow on your snowboard, do not wipe the board clean. Instead, take an empty rain gauge (this is where having a spare rain gauge is helpful) and flip it upside down on your snow covered snowboard and the flip the gauge and snowboard right side up so that the snow falls into it. Melt down the snow. This is the amount of liquid water in your snow which should be reported as "melted value of the core" under "new snow".