Condition Monitoring Star of the Week, December 23rd - 28th, Charleston County, SC

Our Condition Monitoring Star of the Week was posted on December 28th by observer with station number SC-CR-88 in Charleston County, SC.  We chose this report because it offers great detail about soil moisture at their location offering us a good understanding of how wet conditions are in their area. What are some indications of soil moisture when conditions are wet, dry or normal in your area? When wet, does the ground become very soggy or do trees topple over when precipitation is abundant over the long period of time? Does the ground crack or become dusty when dry?  Observe and record how weather changes soil moisture in your area. This is a wonderful learning opportunity and a great way to enhance your reports. Way to go SC-CR-88!


Categories

Agriculture 
Plants and Wildlife

With more than a couple of inches of rain in the last week or so, the ground appears saturated enough that even modest amounts of rainfall of a quarter inch or so will rather quickly run off into the storm water ditches rather than soak in. Soil moisture in the garden is more than adequate and the compost is too wet.

Condition Monitoring Star of the Week, December 15th - 21st - Caswell County, NC

Our Condition Monitoring Star of the Week for was submitted on December 17th by observer with station number NC-CS-1 in Caswell County, NC. We chose this report because it offers a variety information, not only at the observer's station location but around their community.  In fact, it includes almost all impact categories observers offered on the CoCoRaHS impacts reporting form.  Like all reports submitted to the CoCoRaHS website, we read this observer's reports and we've noticed how they consistently record water levels and other conditions at Hyco Lake. Over time, these reports will allow us to better understand weather and climate impacts at this location and how they contribute to changing conditions. Consistent, long-term reporting at your location and in your community greatly increases the value of your reports. We encourage all observers to NC-CS-1's example!


Categories

Agriculture
Business and Industry
Plants and Wildlife
Tourism and Recreation
Water Supply and Quality

What season is this? One day it's warm and sunny, then cold and rainy or some combination thereof. With over an inch and a half of rain in the last ten days, Hyco reached a peak of 410.59' but has now dropped down to 410.36'. On early mornings the water is so still is looks like a mirror. At night it beautifully reflects the Christmas decorations set on docks. There are still plenty of campers at the recreation area. They have even decorated with stringing lights on the fence. Some die-hard fishermen have been dropping lines into the lake from the shore and boats - hope they are having good luck. The major influx of winter birds has not occurred yet but the seed in our feeders and the suet is disappearing on a steady basis. Sasanguas are steadily blooming, providing some color. Nandinas, pyracanthas and hollies are producing plenty of berries - ample for decorations and food for the birds. There are still plenty of leaves and acorns are on the ground, slowly but surely getting leaves into flower beds or compost bins. Worm bins are in their winter locations and their activity is slowing down. fields are barren but are still beautiful, just waiting for snow! The sunny days are helping the tomatoes int he greenhouse grow and the strawberries have begun to bloom. Occasionally see a few good bugs in the greenhouse. Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas.

Condition Monitoring Star of the Week, December 8th-14th, Wake County, NC

Our Condition Monitor Star of the Week was posted on December 13th by observer with station number NC-WK-6 in Wake County, NC.  In their report they noted multiple impacts relating to soil moisture, water levels, plants and wildlife.  Drought committees in both North Carolina and South Carolina consider a range of indicators when determining drought declarations.  Therefore, reports like this one that includes a variety of impacts can be helpful.  We're also amazed at how the observer included so much information in a relatively short paragraph! Great job, NC-WK-6! 

 Categories

Plants and Wildlife
Water Supply and Quality

The soil remains moist as we had over half an inch of rain in the past seven days. The creek is full and the water is still clear. Small fish (minnows?) are visible in the creek. The pond is full and quiet. We had a great blue heron visit the pond this past week and he caught a fish. The grass remains green for the most part. We have had some seed pods from the sycamore trees fall to the ground this week. Squirrels are digging many small holes in the garden we assume they are planting seeds to help tide them over for the winter.

Who uses your CoCoRaHS data?

Does it sometimes feel like you're all alone in the world as a CoCoRaHS observer?

Do you ever wonder if anyone even takes the time to look at your precipitation measurements and condition monitoring reports?

The answer is - Of course you aren't alone! And, of course the information you provide through the CoCoRaHS network is invaluable to many different types of people and organizations!

CoCoRaHS headquarters has compiled a series of "Messages of the Day" to highlight the many and varied ways that CoCoRaHS data are used. These user groups include weather forecasters, hydrologists, water managers, researchers, farmers, climatologists, and more!

Check out this link to see an archive of these daily messages and learn more about how these different groups use your CoCoRaHS data.

Next up: What is CISA doing with the over 675 condition monitoring reports we've received since last September?!

Condition Monitoring Star of the Week, December 1st-7th, Craven County, NC

 Our Condition Monitoring Star of the Week was posted by observer with station number NC-CN-31 on December 3rd. We chose this report because of the variety of detail included.  The observer notes temperature, leaf fall, river levels and several of other impacts.  This gives us a vivid picture of what conditions are like in their area.  We especially appreciate the observers attention to impacts at their location and around the community.  We encourage all observers to look for ways that weather affects their neighborhoods and communities, as well as their yards. Thanks for setting a great example, NC-CN-31! 

 Categories

Agriculture
Plants and Wildlife
Tourism and Recreation

wkly rpt: ( a day or so late ) Thanksgiving week was filled with rain, then cold, then warmed up. Seems as if those farmers who did not harvest their crops of soy - may not harvest them. Bradford & Cleveland Pear trees still have their leaves, but they are beginning to fall during the rains and windy weather. River levels remain normal - neither high nor low. We did not have any travel hazards here during Thanksgiving Wednesday or Thursday, although there was a brief couple hour period of heavy rain. Local holiday events such as parades and fairs have not seem to have been effected by weather this past week. When the weather is warm, our honeybees are foraging on mahonnia and eleagnus.

Condition Monitoring Star of the Week, November 24th-30th - Beaufort County, SC

 Our Condition Monitoring Star of the Week was posted on November 24th by observers with station number SC-BF-10 in Beaufort, SC.  This report is special because it does an awesome job depicting dryness and recovery in their community.  The observer paints a vivid picture of dry conditions including dust while mowing and low water levels. Then they talk about the abundant rainfall that occurred is a pretty short period of time and how it completely changed the landscape. Wow!  The story the observer tells through examples we can easily understand make this report stand out. Great job SC-BF-10!  We look forward to more reports like these!


Categories

Water Supply and Quality 
Plants and Wildlife
  
Banner rainfall this weekend for much needed rain! Saturday the lawn was so dry, the lawnmower kicked up dust, the lagoon levels were way down, and everything was beginning to go dormant. In about a 36-hr. period we received 2.07" of nice soaking rain, exceeding the entire month of November rainfall. It was the first meaningful rain since October 21. This morning, it is very mild, the lawns are greener and the lagoons are up. A near 3 acre lagoon next to our house has risen to the top of the drain grate and is trickling slightly over the top. A great time to be thankful. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Next report in 2 weeks.

Measuring Winter Weather Precipitation

It's hard to believe that many places in the Carolinas have already received snowfall this year!

As temperatures drop and some areas begin to receive sleet and snow, this is a great time of year for a refresher on how to measure winter precipitation with your CoCoRaHS rain gauge.

There are 4 CoCoRaHS Snow Measurements you can enter on your daily precipitation report:

1. The depth of new snow (new snowfall)
2. Liquid water equivalent of new snow (either in the gauge or on a snowboard)



These are a few pictures of the 10" snowfall received in
Madison County, NC on November 1, 2014
sent by observer Pat Momich. 

3. The total depth of new snow and old snow and ice at observation time
4. Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) of total snow on the ground (optional)

Here are a few links to CoCoRaHS resources to help ensure that your winter precipitation measurements are as accurate as possible:

• "In Depth" Snow Measuring - Slideshow
• Ice Accretion - Slideshow
• How to measure snow water equivalent or 'SWE' - Video (5 minutes)
• CoCoRaHS Snow Training Webinar - Video (Be sure you've got a warm cup of cocoa for this one - it's very thorough, but it's about an hour long!)

Remember, even if you're in an area of the Carolinas where you don't receive much snowfall, freezing temperatures can damage your rain gauge. Be sure to bring your filter and inner tube inside during cold winter months. 

If you have any tips for measuring snow, be sure to leave a comment so that some of our new observers learn from those of you who are more experienced.