By Brittany North - Boreal Community Media - March 26, 2026

On the shore of Lake Superior, where weather can shift dramatically over the span of just a few miles, a quiet network of volunteers has been keeping watch, one rain gauge at a time.

Long-time volunteer, Carol, has been one of them since 2003. Living right along the lake, she checks and records precipitation daily, a habit that has become second nature. “It’s just part of my life,” she said. Over the years, her handwritten journals have captured everything from routine dry spells to extreme events—like June 2008, when she remembers a massive rainstorm dropping eight inches and washing out roads. Through it all, she’s noticed patterns: January tends to be one of the driest months, and precipitation across Cook County can vary widely depending on location.

That kind of localized data is exactly why the program exists.

The precipitation monitoring effort in Cook County has been coordinated through the Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District since 2002, in partnership with the Minnesota State Climatology Office. Today, 19 volunteers across the county measure daily precipitation using standardized rain gauges, recording totals and often adding notes about wind, wildlife, or seasonal changes—like the first robin sighting or ice-out dates.

Participants either enter data online or mail in monthly logs. For many, the appeal goes beyond numbers. “People who like to journal really enjoy it,” said Ann Paulson of the SWCD. “They look back and see how things have changed over time.”

The program is part of a much larger statewide network. According to climatologist Pete Boulay, the system dates back decades, originally expanding through partnerships with groups like Future Farmers of America. While early participation fluctuated, many volunteers stayed on long-term—some for life.

Today, the network fills critical gaps left by traditional weather stations. Minnesota has roughly 180–200 National Weather Service stations, often just one or two per county. In a place like Cook County—far from radar coverage in Duluth—on-the-ground observations are essential.

“Cook County can really stand out during big events,” Boulay said. He pointed to the June 2024 storms, when some areas recorded more than 10 inches of rain. Without local observers, that level of detail would be missed.

The data serves multiple purposes. The National Weather Service uses it for flood forecasting. Long-term records help track climate trends. In winter, the same volunteers measure snow depth—an especially important metric along the North Shore, where lake-effect snow can vary dramatically inland versus along the shore.

That variation is a constant challenge. Both Boulay and Paulson emphasized the need for more inland observers—people living even a couple miles away from Lake Superior. Conditions can be completely different just “up the hill.” Volunteers are especially needed up the Gunflint Trail, where there are currently only two volunteers. 

Despite the commitment—daily measurements, year-round—most volunteers stick with it. Many only stop due to age or relocation. Carol, now in her 80s, is preparing to pass her gauge on to a neighboring friend.

In a landscape defined by its extremes, this knowledge starts with simple, consistent observation—one person, one gauge, one day at a time.

 In the image above, the small, colored dots are the locations of current volunteer weather watchers. The larger red circles indicate locations where volunteers are specifically needed. Image: Cook County SWCD