IV-ROCS Reporting System

By Tabatha Tripp

The new Cooperative Observer Program data acquisition system called IV-ROCS is now available. The system can be accessed by calling toll free 1-877 COOP OBS (1-877-266 7627). The IV-ROCS voice scripts will guide the caller through the data entry process. I realize there are quite a few stations still using the old PC-Rosa system. The PC-Rosa system is scheduled to be deactivated in March 2005. IV-ROCS and timely climatic data are together because the goal for 2005 is to have as many observers as possible calling in their daily temperatures on this system.

All climate data needs to be available daily to support NWS forecast and warning operations. Daily maximum and minimum, 24 hour precipitation, snowfall and snow depth are needed for improving the NWS zone and hydrologic forecasts. Monthly climate station data is needed as soon as possible after the month's end at NCDC (National Climatic Data Center) so that quality control, archiving, publication, and dissemination of the data can begin.There is a rapidly growing commercial demand for coop data, such as resource managers, attorneys, insurance companies to name a few. There are also demands from individual users and climatological reseach centers. The pressing need from all of these users is for faster access to our data. IV-ROCS is one solution to this issue.

Amarillo Cooperative Expansion

This year I am looking forward to expanding our network, new sites that are scheduled to start this year include Joe Billips, a new rainfall observer southwest of Dalhart, Texas. Danny Thompson of Hartley, TX, Vernon Wilhelm of Happy, TX, G.D. and Marlene Webb of Adrian, TX, will be reporting temperatures and precipitation. Ben Fort of XIT Feeders southwest of Dalhart will be taking over reporting duties for Mrs. Diane Link who is moving to Alabama the first of the year. If you know anyone who is interested in becoming a cooperative observer please call Tabatha Tripp at 806-335-1121. As WFO Amarillo's webmaster and Cooperative program manager I will be undertaking the task of building an informative and helpful COOP page to support our customers with easier access to our cooperative data and program.