‘Doppler’ Dave Speelman:

Did you know there is a site on the web that you can go to get a more accurate measurement of precipitation around the area? It’s called CoCoRaHS, which 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).

Here’s how it work: Each time a rain, hail or snow storm crosses the area, volunteers take measurements of precipitation from as many locations as possible. These precipitation reports are then recorded on the web site www.cocorahs.org. The data are then displayed and organized for folks to analyze and apply to daily situations ranging from water resource analysis and severe storm warnings to neighbors comparing how much rain fell in their backyards.

There are many sites located across Las Cruces and New Mexico but not many currently in the El Paso area (only three sites so far). However, you can help increase these numbers. The website wants you to know that this is a community project. Everyone can help, young, old, and in-between. The only requirements are an enthusiasm for watching and reporting weather conditions and a desire to learn more about how weather can effect and impact our lives.

If you are interested in joining and being a “precipitation gathering volunteer,” in El Paso you can do so on their website.