(SOUTHERN COLORADO) — An organization built right here in Colorado is looking to expand its vast network of volunteers. The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow network, (CoCoRaHS, pronounced KO-ko-rozz), has a network of daily weather reporters that spans the entire United States. Every morning, observers check their rain gauge and report any precipitation that may have fallen over the last 24 hours.

The organization dates all the way back to June of 1998 and started with the climate center up at CSU in Fort Collins. The original organizers felt the need to create a network of weather observers after several lives were lost during some devastating flooding.

The idea behind CoCoRaHS is to create a dense network of data that could potentially help save lives and be used for research purposes. Anyone and everyone can be an observer and the more people that participate – the better. The organization has over 26,000 active observers.

All you need to become an observer is a passion for weather and an official rain gauge. The first step is visiting the CoCoRaHS website where you will be asked a few questions about who you are and where you plan on setting up your rain gauge.

Courtesy: FOX21 Stormteam Meteorologist, Ryan Matoush, Picture is of a rain gauge

The second step is to make sure you have an official rain gauge you can use to measure any precipitation in your very own backyard. CoCoRaHS also provides a link to get a gauge during the signup process. The gauges are roughly $40.

The organization also provides free training through its website. They have several different pieces of training material if you have questions such as where to set up your rain gauge or how to accurately read it. The website will also be used to make your daily report and leave any comments you might have.

CoCoRaHS also wants to remind everyone that it is just as important to report no rain if none has occurred at your residence during the last 24 hours!