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Type: Report
Author(s): John Zachariassen; Karl F. Zeller; Ned Nikolov; Tom McClelland
Publication Date: 2003

The RAWS network and RAWS data-use systems are closely reviewed and summarized in this report. RAWS is an active program created by the many land-management agencies that share a common need for accurate and timely weather data from remote locations for vital operational and program decisions specific to wildland and prescribed fires. A RAWS measures basic observable weather parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and precipitation as well as 'fuel stick' temperature. Data from almost 1,900 stations deployed across the conterminous United States, Alaska, and Hawaii are now routinely used to calculate and forecast daily fire danger indices, components, and adjective ratings. Fire business applications include the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS), fire behavior, and fire use. Findings point to the fact that although the RAWS program works and provides needed weather data in support of fire operations, there are inefficiencies and significant problem areas that require leadership attention at the National level.

Online Links
Citation: Zachariassen,J.; Zeller,Karl F.; Nikolov,Ned; McClellend,Tom. 2003. A review of the Forest Service Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) network. General Technical Report RMRS-GTR-119. Fort Collins, CO: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 153 p + CD.

Cataloging Information

Topics:
Regions:
Alaska    California    Eastern    Great Basin    Hawaii    Northern Rockies    Northwest    Rocky Mountain    Southern    Southwest    National
Keywords:
  • fire danger
  • NFDRS - National Fire Danger Rating System
  • RAWS - Remote Automated Weather Station
Record Last Modified:
Record Maintained By: FRAMES Staff (https://www.frames.gov/contact)
FRAMES Record Number: 7840