Rainfall Monitoring Network Needs Volunteers

If you find yourself with extra time on your hands and you want a reason to get outdoors, then volunteer for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced the State Climatology Office is looking for volunteer rainfall monitors for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS). The network includes more than 20,000 volunteers nationwide who measure precipitation in their backyards using a standard 4-inch rain gauge.

The rainfall monitoring activities are performed by individuals at home who then submit their reports online. Volunteers should follow Minnesota Department of Health guidelines for social distancing in connection with this volunteer opportunity.

According to climatologist and state CoCoRaHS coordinator Pete Boulay:

“The information provided by volunteers helps to verify high rain totals after big events, monitor drought and flooding, make our precipitation maps more accurate, and it provides needed guidance on Minnesota’s changing climate,” Boulay said. “We need more volunteers to help fill gaps where people aren’t observing and reporting precipitation values.”

When exactly volunteers are needed differs throughout the state.  You can can follow the link below for more information and to sign up.