ReportingQuestions

  • How do I enter data via the Internet? All you need to do is click on the "Data entry" link above and fill out the form provided. For detailed instructions on how the fill out the forms go to our On-line Form Help page.
  • Do I need to enter 0.00 if it didn't rain?

    You are a volunteer so you don't have to enter anything you don't want to. However, a 0.00 reading IS very important and we would definitely prefer that you enter it. If you do not enter a 0.00 reading, we cannot calculate any totals such as monthly or yearly totals for your readings. Also, if there is localized rain in the state, knowing where it does not rain is also very userful. We have made it very easy to enter multiple-zero reading by providing the "Multiple-Zero Readings" form.

  • I made a mistake entering data, what do I do to fix it? If only the data amounts are wrong, just you can correct that during the data entry process or if that has already been completed, you can go back to the data entry page and select the "Edit" option to modify an individual record. If you made a mistake entering the date, then reenter the data and date correctly and contact your regional coordinator to get the incorrect data deleted. The regional coordinator will need to know your station information and what information you entered incorrectly.
  • How do I verify that my data was entered correctly? The best way to verify your data is to go to the Reports section of the web site. You data should appear in the Daily Precipitation Report, Station Summary Report or the Data Entry Report immediately.
  • Can I operate more than one station? Absolutely and we have tried to make that as easy as possible. Contact NeRain at NeRain and report the StationNames you are operating and which one you want to just sign on with as your primary account. Then go to the "data entry" screen as normal. It will look the same except where it says: "You are logged in as ..." will now be blue indicating it is a link to another page. If you go ahead and enter your data as normal (without clicking that link), you will be entering the data for your primary station. However, clicking on that blue link will take you to a page that lists all of your stations. Your primary station will always be on top. If you click on any other station and "Select New Station" it will take you back to the "data entry" screen except it will now say you are entering data for that station.
  • What do I do if I've been gone and found water in the gauge when I returned? You need to enter your data as a multi-day report. Click on the "Multiple Day Accumulation Form" button. Enter the precipitation amount and the dates, the first date is generally the day after you left and the second date is the day you returned and emptied the rain gauge. Make sure that you don't accidentally write over good data by entering a date that is too early. Please also let us know if you think you know on which day the precipitation fell.
  • My data is an estimate, how should that be entered? If you are estimating any amount, please note that in the Comments section of the form.
  • What should I enter in the comments field? Leave this blank unless you have additional weather observations to make. This can include any other weather related information such as wind conditions or temperature. Please don't include messages for the webmaster, they probably won't be seen. Use the webmaster link at the bottom of the page if you need to contact the webmaster. Don't enter any information such as vacation plans, the comments can be viewed by anyone over the internet.
  • What is a Trace? Any precipitation that is seen or felt that is not a measurable amount is entered as a trace (T). If you see a drop on the pavement or feel one on your skin, that is a trace.
  • What do I do with snow buildup on the edge of my gauge? There is no perfectly correct answer here since snow behaviour can be erratic, but what I do is take a flat object like a hardback book and I push is straight down on the gauge from above in such a way that any snow that is inside the gauge cylinder is knocked into the gauge, but whatever is outside falls out. For more snow measurement details see How to Measure Snow.