This can be a difficult task, especially in the flat plains of North Dakota. In some instances snowfall measurement is an estimation at best. To help the CWO, a snowboard may be used. The snowboard is simply a piece of plywood, typically 3 feet square with a ruler attached in the middle. The snowboard sits in an open space and as the name implies, is covered with snow.
Some observers call information to the office using a toll free number.
More and more, however, observers are using a PC based application or a programmable telephone. The information is coded in a special format which NWS computers can read and decipher, allowing us the view data both graphically and in a tabular format. The CWO plays an extremely important part in the role of the National Weather Service. CWO's are truly unsung heros who's dedication needs to be celebrated and their efforts sung from the heights.