CoCo RaHS (Colorado Collaborative Rain and Hail Study)is a local science education project motivated by a strong desire to include students and weather enthusiasts of all ages in meteorological research. Armed with the knowledge that northeastern Colorado is one of the most hail prone regions of the entire U.S., and stimulated by the recent experience of the highly localized extreme urban flash flood in Fort Collins, Colorado in July 1997, a demonstration project was initiated in 1998 to get students involved as volunteers in collecting detailed data on summer rain and hail storms. With minimal funding but strong local interest and in-kind support, recruitment of volunteers began in May. By early June data collection was underway. Throughout the summer, detailed information were gathered for each rain and hail event that crossed the area. Maps were produced and shared promptly with participants and the community in an effort to show what could be accomplished by teamwork. The Colorado State University CHILL Radar Laboratory was a key collaborator, providing radar data for immediate comparison to ground measurements. In turn, the surface observations were provided to CHILL to support their research efforts improving quantitative estimates of rain and hail.
A unique feature of this project was the significant leadership roles given to high school students. From the initial recruitment and training, to data collection, Webpage design, data analysis and display, and public relations, the responsibility for carrying out the project was placed in the hands of students. Another key component of the project was the variety of summer educational activities that were developed in support of the project to provide incentive for participation and to give volunteers the opportunity to socialize, get acquainted with professional scientists, and come together to celebrate accomplishments.
Preliminary results of this project will be presented including both scientific results and also the successes and disappointments that accompanied this student-led project. Supporters of this collaborative effort will be identified and thanked. Finally, future plans for continuing and expanding CoCo RaHS will be outlined.