About our Program

Why have spotters?

Despite recent advances in technology employed by the National Weather Service, the need for timely and accurate "ground truth" weather reports remains as important as ever. While radar and satellite are used to determine the potential for severe weather, reports from trained Severe Weather Spotters are needed to find out if severe weather is actually going on. Reports are used in conjunction with radar and satellite technology to issue timely and accurate severe weather warnings to the public.

Participants

Basically, just about anyone with an interest in observing the weather can become a Severe Weather Spotter. The National Weather Serivce in Missoula spotter network covers the following counties:

• In Montana - Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders and Silver Bow.
• In Idaho - Clearwater, Idaho and Lemhi.

• Law enforcement and Civil Defense personnel
• Forest Service and Park Service employees
• State and Local agencies
• Amateur Radio operators
• Schools and Universities
• Ski and Summer resorts

Spotter Responsibilities

1. Observe and Detect changing weather conditions.
2. Report significant weather events meeting specific criteria when detected.
3. Serve as a contact point - That is, if we detect severe weather in your area, we may call you.