Is it Raining or is it Snowing? We Want To Know!

SYRCL is partnering with the Mountain Rain or Snow team this winter to grow the community of observers to improve the ways that we track the changes in rain, snow, and mixed precipitation during winter storms. If you have ever noticed snow falling above freezing, then you have first-hand experience as to why technologies struggle with the weather events that are in the “grey area”.

Scientists need your help to better understand winter weather. It’s notoriously difficult to research winter precipitation in the mountains because it can vary over the course of minutes and across short distances. Few weather stations can accurately identify precipitation phase near freezing (rain, snow, or mixed).

Direct observations, made by people, are the most accurate way to discover how precipitation phase varies in time and space. Start reporting with the Mountain Rain or Snow app during winter storms to help improve the technologies behind precipitation phase prediction.

Participating is simple: scan the QR code or text WINTER to 855-909-0798 to access the browser-based app and learn a few tips. Then, during winter storms, keep your eyes on the sky and send observations whether it is raining, snowing, or a wintry mix. It only takes 30 seconds to send a report! When you sign up, you’ll receive 3 intro texts over the first 3 days. Afterwards, we’ll send you alerts when there is a winter storm in your area.

With your observations, scientists at Lynker, DRI, and UNR are working to improve the technologies that differentiate rain, snow, and mixed precipitation. If you want to learn more about the project, click the button below.

Mountain Rain or Snow is a NASA-funded collaboration between Lynker, the Desert Research Institute, and University of Nevada-Reno.