OLT volunteer, Tom Bowes, returned from Michigan again this Fall. This time, he donated and installed a professional weather station. Local weather conditions appear not only on our website, but can now be gathered and studied. This collective information brings valuable insights for local agriculture, alternative energy, climate models, environmental planning, wildfire response, and of course... what to pack for your next visit.

Now live at Weather Underground as Station KCOMOFFA4

From the raptor pole overlooking OLT’s hydroelectric power plant we track the wind from 30’ above. At its base, air temperature, pressure, precipitation, and sunlight are each carefully measured. A wireless console inside the plant prepares and uploads these readings to Weather Underground and the Citizen’s Weather Observer Program (CWOP). After some quality checks, these data are compiled by NOAA’s MADIS database for use by the National Weather Service and other research. 

We’re even installing special sensors to understand OLT’s dramatic microclimates. Located 2 miles east and 600’ higher that our weather station, air temperatures at Valley View can be 10 degrees warmer at times! That warm welcome visitors feel as they arrive may indeed be more than the geothermal energy and friendly folks.

OLT is pleased to serve our visitors and the Northern San Luis Valley with this powerful system. We deeply appreciate the generosity, dedication, and expertise Tom brings us all.