Spotter Program

Colorado All-Season Spotter Team

Weather reports from spotters will help save lives and property during the years
to come. The volunteer spotter team is an essential part of the warning decision process
of the National Weather Service. Ground truth reports from spotters are used in
conjunction with Doppler radar, satellite, and other sources to determine the need
for weather warnings and advisories.

We are continuously recruiting spotters living in Northeast Colorado, and across
the Northern mountains, Front Range Foothills, and high mountain valleys. If you
are a weather enthusiast and enjoy measuring rain and snowfall, or you find yourself
drooling at the bit for severe weather, this team is for YOU! Folks living in
mountain locations such as Jackson, Grand, Summit, Larimer, and Park counties are
especially needed!

Typical reports you would provide include; snowfall, snow depth, freezing rain,
dense fog, high winds, and road conditions. Examples of summertime weather
reporting would include information on tornadoes, hail, heavy rainfall and
flooding. A dedicated, toll free number is available to call the National Weather Service in
Boulder, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reporting can also be done on your
computer via the Denver/Boulder Home page to submit weather reports.

You can be involved in the Spotter Team! Here's what's involved:

To become a member of the team you must attend one of the severe weather/spotter training classes which are offered in the Spring and early Summer. We will usually start posting training sites and times in late January and February with the link. http://www.crh.noaa.gov/bou/?n=spot_training
You must be at least 18 years old to participate in the program. However, we do encourage children and youth to help adults, while learning the science of meteorology.
Once you have been trained, you will receive your own spotter number and information sheets on how to report.
We recommend refresher training every 2 years once you have been initially trained.
Supplemental Skywarn training is available through COMET at https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_course.php?id=23
No Special equipment is needed!
For current members, updated information and changes on the program can be found on our web page, via the "news of the day" at http://www.crh.noaa.gov/news/display_cmsstory.php?wfo=bou&storyid=63779&source=0

National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office