The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network – known as CoCoRaHS is a volunteer-based program that collects detailed precipitation data across the United States and beyond. Founded in 1998 after a flash flood in Fort Collins, Colorado, its goal is simple: measure and map rain, hail, and snow as accurately as possible, one location at a time. CoCoRaHS is open to anyone with an interest in weather. Volunteers come from all walks of life- farmers, teachers, students, retirees- and no prior meteorological training is required. Participants receive guidance on how to install and use a standard 4 inch-diameter rain gauge, which can measure rainfall to the hundredth of an inch and snowfall with high accuracy. Observers record precipitation each morning, whether it is rain, hail, or snow. Even reporting “zero” precipitation is important, as it helps create a complete and continuous dataset. These measurements are uploaded to CoCoRaHS website, where they are instantly available to meteorologists, emergency managers, researchers, and the public. The value of CoCoRaHS lies in its dense network of observation points. Official weather stations are often spaced far apart, but precipitation can vary greatly over short distances. By filling these gaps, CoCoRaHS data supports improved forecasting, agricultural planning, emergency response, and climate research. CoCoRaHS proves that valuable scientific contributions can come from anyone, anywhere. As climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather events, the need for detailed, localized precipitation data will only grow. CoCoRaHS continues to expand internationally, with observers now in Canada, the Bahamas, and other regions. The more participants involved, the more complete our understanding of precipitation patterns become. Currently, there are no CoCoRaHS observers in Forest County and we are looking for your help to get CoCoRaHS measurements throughout the county. If you or someone you know would be interested in being an observer for CoCoRaHS, you can contact the Forest County Land Conservation department at or call (715) 478-1387.
Conservation Corner is a weekly article produced by the Forest County Land Conservation and Land Information Department. For more information contact Lucas O’Brien, Forest County Land Conservation Technician at 715-478-1387 or by e-mail at