NWS Cooperative Observer Webpage | NWS Cooperative Observer Newsletters |
Central Iowa Cooperative Observer Network |
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The Cooperative (Coop) Observer Network consists of teachers, farmers, and bankers. In other words, people from all walks of life. The members of the Iowa Coop Network have at least a few things in common. They are basically an all-volunteer network, and they all seem to have a genuine fascination with the weather. |
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Coop Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) |
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1. What time of year do we remove the funnel and either metal or plastic tube from the SRG (Standard Rain Gauge)? A. The funnel and tube should be removed from the SRG when you are reasonably sure that freezing temperatures are expected...or that snow is on the way. Freezing temperatures will freeze any liquid inside the tube and that liquid will eventually cause cracks in the plastic tube, or cause holes to develop around the seems of a metal tube. Besides the danger to the inside tube...you need the funnel and tube out to accurately measure new snowfall. If it appears that a prolonged period of warm weather or rain is expected, replace the funnel and tube long enough to cover the event. |
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2. How do I log snowfall and snowdpeth entries in the B-91(Record of River and Climatological Observations) booklet? A. Open the inside cover to the B-91 booklet and you will see an example form filled out already. Follow this example and you can't go wrong. Keep in mind, snowfall is measured to the nearest tenth of an inch, for example 1 1/2 inches would be written 1.5. Snowdepth is either written as T for trace, or to the nearest inch, for example 2.5 inches would be logged into the snow depth column as "3" (for 3 inches). |
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3. On the Maximum/Minimum temperature display when the letters "LO" show up on the readout what does this mean? A. More often than not this is an indication of a loose connection, either at the display or at the outside sensor. However if the connections are secure that means that there is probably a break in the underground cabling. In any case when this problem occurs call your contact person, and we will run you through a few temporary steps that may alleviate the problem, or we will come out and repair the item as soon as possible. |
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4. How much does this job pay? A. Most of the observers we have have been doing this job for minimal pay and just as many do this voluntarily. In most cases this pay averages between 10 and 20 dollars per month. This is not a labor of pay, but a labor of love! |
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5. How can I become a Weather Service Observer? A. The NWS doesn't generally have Cooperative Weather Observer openings. When we do, we will adverstise on this webpage where an observer is needed. |