The ALAC COOP Observer Program
The ALAC Weather Service in Madison has a COOP Observer program! This program is used to help us make our forecasts, make "check-ups" on our observations, and allows us to issue products during significant weather situations. However, the most important part of the COOP Program is that we may forward your reports to the National Weather Service in Sullivan if it is needed. For more information, please email: coop@alacweather.com
A COOP Observer...what do they do!?!?!
A COOP Observer for the ALAC Weather Service provides daily (if possible) high and low temperatures, daily precipitation, daily snowfall measurments, significant weather observations (i.e. hail -- remember the size too!, if you saw a thunderstorm, and may other things depending on the observer) We will accept anyone at this time! If you are not able to provide us with, such as, temperature data, we would still like your precipitation. Or if you would just like to relay severe weather when it effects your location, that is fine too! Please email us first at: coop@alacweather.com to make sure you can do it!
Do I...need any equipment to be an observer?
Yes and no. It depends on what type of observer you are! If you are a "full" COOP Observer, then yes. You would need a temperature sensor which would take daily high/low temperature, a rain gage, a way to measure snow, a wind vale to measure wind speed, and a way to measure hail. However, if you just take precipitation, you would just need a rain gage. The one type of observer which would require no equipment is one that would just relay if hail, or if a thunderstorm effected their location. For more information on this, please email: coop@alacweather.com
How do I...sign up?
Anybody is welcome to sign up for ALAC Weather Service's COOP Observer program. It is a voluteer program, and if you sign up, we will give you a information packet to read before you start reporting your data. WE ENCOURAGE ANYBODY TO SIGN UP!!! However, you must have the proper equipment. Listed below are different instruments we recommend. Click on the name, and it will take you to the site. To officially sign up, please email: austin@alacweather.com please include your name, location, weather equipment you own, and what type of observer you would like to be. We will then respond with an ID number, and we will attach an "instruction" packet to the email. THANK YOU FOR VOLUNTEERING!!!
Where do I get my equitment???
We
STRONGLY recommend
Oregon Scientific. Below are some models, brands, and places to buy the following things.
Oregon Scientific Complete Wireless Weather Station (Click to view)
Oregon Scientific Weather Center
Oregon Scientific Wireless Temperature
Oregon Scientific Temperature Station
Oregon Scientific Temperature and Rain Gage (Automatic Gage, you don't empty it!)
Oregon Scientific Wireless Rain Gage (Automatic Gage, you don't have to empty it!)
CoCoRaHS Official Rain Gage (NOT AUTOMATIC! You must empty it everyday!)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE EMAIL:
austin.lacey@alacweather.com or coop@alacweather.com