Ben Holcomb
EF5
At most it was a slide or two and a quick 'hey submit reports this way'. Not 15 minutes. At least not since 2005.
This year I think they spent equal or greater time telling us not to use espotter.
eSpotter Phased Out?
- Thread starter Robert Dewey
- Start date
At most it was a slide or two and a quick 'hey submit reports this way'. Not 15 minutes. At least not since 2005.
This year I think they spent equal or greater time telling us not to use espotter.
Zachary Lassiter
I didn't get a chance to go this year... and I'm happy there discouraging it finally
Robert Dewey
EF5
I still haven't seen a good explanation as to why they would phase it out. Like I said, they'd miss a lot of rainfall and snowfall reports. I sure as hell am not going to go as far as setting up a CoCoRaHS site, or take the time to call in snowfall on a busy line. It would be a major step backward IMO.
DWest
EF1
I've not heard anything "official" from the NWS regarding letting eSpotter die.
However, they have not "officially" supported it with resources in at least 2 years, if not more. I got an email from someone within the NWS about a year ago saying they were tasked with building a new version of eSpotter (or upgrading it, can't remember) and wanted to work with the SN to make sure everything was smooth, blah blah blah. Never heard anything back after my enthusiastic email response
From my perspective it's on "life support" and has a DNR associated with it.
I'm aware this thread is a bit old, but I do have something new to contribute - I called my local NWS office in order to see what kind of procedure they have as far as making non-emergency reports (they suggested calling 911 for those, which apparently has a system set up for taking them). We briefly discussed eSpotter, and arranged having my account transferred from LSX to SGF. Apparently, the assumption that it's on DNR is pretty accurate, as the official I spoke with (Mr. Reynolds) kind of mentioned not being sure how long it would still be around. Honestly, I'm kind of disappointed that the NWS officials in charge of it (whoever that may be, I really don't know) would be interested in eventually phasing it out, as it provides a more practical way of submitting reports for non-emergency events. I'd feel a bit silly calling 911 to report snowfall or precipitation type changes. I suppose if it is removed completely I'll be using SN exclusively for those purposes.
Jason Foster
I can't speak for all areas...but I'd highly suggest NOT calling 911 for a weather report. If it's a serious 'emergency' yeah. But I think we've covered that here already.
I can't believe how many offices are STILL not using Spotter Network. I think to some degree (and I know this of my local office) the Hams (esp. the ARES/RACES fanatics) are basically cock-blocking other, better means of reporting severe weather and non-severe weather. I have heard of this being even worse with some jurisdiction, but could not say as fact like I can for my local office.
eSpotter is going out or is out, so we need to see if it is worth presenting the spotter network or other means of reporting to the offices in which have not integrated this into their system. I know many at least have a decent 800-number to call reports in, but not sure how immediate that information gets attention.
I can't believe how many offices are STILL not using Spotter Network. I think to some degree (and I know this of my local office) the Hams (esp. the ARES/RACES fanatics) are basically cock-blocking other, better means of reporting severe weather and non-severe weather. I have heard of this being even worse with some jurisdiction, but could not say as fact like I can for my local office.
eSpotter is going out or is out, so we need to see if it is worth presenting the spotter network or other means of reporting to the offices in which have not integrated this into their system. I know many at least have a decent 800-number to call reports in, but not sure how immediate that information gets attention.
DWest
EF1
I did end up getting their 800 line, but was still asked to report via 911 for most events. Actually, using the 800 number was rather discouraged. I can say that I certainly won't be using that method of reporting unless there's a tornado or some really large hail falling, though.
I suppose one component of their reasoning behind that here is that they don't assign spotter IDs like they do in St. Louis - perhaps 911 is some sort of way of filtering it out? That would be a bit odd though.
Tim Shriver
EF4
I know that our WFO has not mentioned that eSpotter is going away and still has us use it for non-severe weather events.
It was never intended to be used for severe events. Phone call, radio or other prescribed means are available for those.
They do not even mention the Spotter Network in their spotter classes.
Yep, there could be some ham operators that are letting their opinions be known, but it the end it is up
to the WFO.
SN is a tool, just like eSpotter, radios and cell phones and we should all use the tools that work best for ourselves and what the
WFO requires of us.
Use what works for you and yours...
Tim
rdale
EF5
eSpotter is not an office-driven program, it is national. So if it goes away, all offices lose it.
They also teach spotters to not give estimated distances, which we've discussed in another thread as being a detriment to severe weather ops.
Nope. When eSpotter is taken down for good, all WFOs will lose access.
Tim Shriver
EF4
rdale said "They also teach spotters to not give estimated distances, which we've discussed in another thread as being a detriment to severe weather ops."
rdale tosses some mud...too bad.
Sorry rdale, they run the WFO, not you. Thank God!
Why don't you give KMKX a call and set them straight?
Feel the love...
Tim
rdale tosses some mud...too bad.
Sorry rdale, they run the WFO, not you. Thank God!
Why don't you give KMKX a call and set them straight?
Feel the love...
Tim
rdale
EF5
They are under no requirement to promote SpotterNetwork. They can promote eSpotter all they want, but when it's gone - it's gone.
Tim Shriver
EF4
No, to set them straight on how they are wrong about guessing distance.
rdale said "They also teach spotters to not give estimated distances, which we've discussed in another thread as being a detriment to severe weather ops."
I'm sure they would love to hear from you.
Tim
rdale
EF5
Oh, that again? I've already told them about my concerns. Did whoever trains your group ever bring that up with them? I wonder if it causes problems since you train your spotters one way and then they teach it different (that doesn't even make sense to begin with, as I'm sure your people have a good idea what's closer to 1 mile away versus 20 miles away.)
Well ... last I heard, it never went totally national. Not all offices are allowed to use it, because they cut off access before all offices were signed up.
Also, regarding SpotterNetwork, a lot of offices are getting reports from it and don't even realize it, since the reports are also sent to NWSChat which many offices are using (not sure how many, but, there are a bunch). I ended up educating the folks in my local office about that.
rdale
EF5
Any office not using NWSChat is just plain out stupid. But that's another topic
Robert Dewey
EF5
I'm still hoping what Tyler said on the first page is accurate - a "new" eSpotter with SN integration, but sounds like that hasn't (or isn't) happening.
The NWS will lose snowfall, rainfall, and non-tstm wind reports from me if they take away eSpotter and all other online options. What a joke.
The NWS will lose snowfall, rainfall, and non-tstm wind reports from me if they take away eSpotter and all other online options. What a joke.
Similar threads
- Locked
- Sticky
