National Weather Service Training
Center
Installation of a New Cooperative Observing
Site
Phase A: Initiating
the Process
Step A1
Who needs the
station?
It is paramount that the Data Acquisition Program Manager (DAPM)
require justification of any proposed installation within the WFO
area of responsibility. The person requesting the new site must
clearly identify the primary sponsor of a site, review their
requirements, and ensure that an approved B-43 accurately
reflects these requirements prior to proceeding with any
installation, relocation or reactivation. Each and every
Cooperative Weather Station should be evaluated to justify its
existence.
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Step A2
What are the requirements
and siting restrictions for an official Cooperative Weather
Station at the proposed station?
Prior to the installation of any Cooperative Weather Station, the
person requesting the new site should determine the primary user
of the site. The data site must be justified based on current
requirements. If the proposed site is an "a" network station, the
person requesting the new site must consult with the appropriate
"a network grid" map to ensure that he/she knows the geographic
boundaries of grid square needing to be satisfied. If it is to be
part of the "b" network, it must be justified by hydrology
requirements. For example, if the site is to provide headwater
precipitation for a particular drainage basin, one must assure
that the location is within the geographic parameters established
by hydrology. A site located only 50 yards on the east side of a
North-South ridge line will not satisfy a hydrology requirement
for headwater rainfall for the river basin on the west side of
the ridge.
It is extremely important to coordinate with the Service
Hydrologist or Hydro Focal Point to ensure a proposed "b" station
location is acceptable. Often, the NWS hydrology officials
coordinate with cooperating agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers and the U.S. Geological Survey to assure the
proposed site serves their needs as well.
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Step A3
What reporting or recording
criteria must be established for the site?
The person requesting the new site must determine what data are
necessary from the station to meet requirements. He/she must
determine what and when elements are to be observed and when data
should be recorded, reported, transmitted or mailed? The person
requesting the new site must be thoroughly familiar with
reporting criteria.
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Step A4
Are the data needed "real-
time", "near real-time", or is it for "archival" requirements
only?
A definition of these terms should be explored to ensure that we
understand what is needed and expected from the station and the
Cooperative Observer.
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Step A5
What equipment/instruments
are required for site and are they readily available or must they
be procured?
The person requesting the new site submitting the B-43 must
indicate what proposed equipment is planned for the site.
Obviously, if the request is to establish a climate "a" network
station, it will require instruments needed by the Cooperative
Weather Observer for recording daily precipitation and maximum
and minimum temperatures. An 8 inch Standard Rain Gage (SRG) is a
must. A small plastic rain gage is not acceptable at an "a"
network station. A proposed evaporation station would receive
considerable scrutiny by Regional Headquarters considering the
high cost of the evaporation pan and associated equipment.
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Step A6
Should the site be
"published" in the Climatological Data or Hourly Precipitation
Data Publications?
The person requesting the new site is responsible for determining
the publication status of the proposed station. Even though
publication criteria is somewhat undefined, several long-standing
guidelines apply. They are:
The final procedure in A is to actually submit a completed B-43
to Region for consideration through the DAPM and Meteorologist in
Charge. Further action must await the approval of Regional
Headquarters. This includes site surveys and the recruitment of
an observers.
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Last reviewed or updated on 8/30/00