National Weather Service
Cooperative Observer (COOP) 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 11,000 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:

1. 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
2. To provide observational meteorological data in near real-time to support forecast, warning and other public service programs of the NWS.

The National Weather Service office in Reno, NV operates a network of over 60 cooperative weather stations. These stations are run by trained observers, all of whom volunteer their services. These observations provide critical information and are considered “The Backbone to our Country’s Climate Data.”

Data:

• Historical Data and Observations from COOP Stations
• WXCoder (Requires Login)
• Map of National Weather Service - Reno, NV COOP Weather Stations

Additional information:

• How COOP Data is used
• Training Materials and Resources
• Snowfall Measurement Guidelines
• National Centers for Environmental Information
• Regional Climate Centers
• COOP Forms
• Nimbus Display Unit Manual

NWS Reno COOP Program Contact Info:

• Observing Program Leader - Scott.McGuire@noaa.gov