California USHCN station surveys are complete

California USHCN Stations

I’m pleased to announce completion of USHCN station surveys for California’s USHCN stations.

There were some challenges in completing some surveys. Some places were inaccessible, such as the famous Tejon Ranch, which would not give me access despite repeated requests.

Similarly, Fairmont in Southern California was a Los Angeles Dept of Water Resources reservoir which was fenced in and visitors were considered a terrorist threat.

Fortunately, between B44 forms provided by former State Climatologist Jim Goodridge, Google Earth and Microsoft Live Earth, I was able to complete these surveys which would have been impossible otherwise.

There were some challenges with stations that were at the homes of private observers, such as the one in Fort Bragg, which Russ Steele surveyed after getting permission.

Of course NOAA did just about everything possible to prevent access, including pulling the station observer database last summer from public view. When I pointed out that NOAA/NWS published pictures of observers standing in front of their stations, along with their names and location, and that they publish a national quarterly newsletter with the same information, they changed their mind and put the database back online.

I understand the NWS wanting to protect privacy of observers, as they are volunteers. At the same time it would just be a lot easier if the NOAA/NWS would simply pitch in and help rather than throw out roadblocks. The goal is not to exposure observers, or their locations, but rather to accurately record the current (and past if possible) station measurement environment. That can be done without compromising privacy.

In fact it can be done far easier if NOAA/NWS would simply help. But given the questionable condition of some USHCN stations, I’m sure they view the project as an embarrassment. But it is our tax dollars at work, and the public right to know such information should supersede any government agency’s concerns.

 I wish to thank the many, many, people who volunteered as surveyors and made this completion possible. Now, on to other states.