The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow project is looking for local volunteers to help measure precipitation. Trainings can be completed online and an in-person training is scheduled in Johnstown May 18.

Open to youth and adults, this citizen scientist project is an excellent opportunity for 4-Hers and others interested in learning more about the weather.

According to its website, the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow (CoCoRaHS) project is a “grassroots volunteer network of backyard weather observers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail and snow) in their local communities.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) are major sponsors of the project.

Volunteers are asked to measure the precipitation whenever a rain, hail and snow storm crosses their area and then to enter the measurements into a website.

A free volunteer training is scheduled for May 18 in Johnstown. Other trainings for May are slated for Herkimer, Hamilton and Schoharie counties. Training can also be completed online.

According to the CoCoRaHS website each observer needs:

Each observer will need:

Enthusiasm and desire to watch the weather.

Willingness and dedication to take regular daily precipitation measurements, preferably between 6-9 a.m.

To participate in an online or group training session.

A manual 4-inch rain gauge, available at reasonable cost through a preferred online CoCoRaHS vendor.

Computer with internet access.

Snow board or flat non-grassy surface in an open area.

Yard stick or ruler.

For more information visit the CoCoRaHS website. For more information on local in-persons trainings visit the CoCoRaHS New York website.