Sept. 8, 2009
The National Weather Service in Pueblo and Colorado Springs Utilities are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of a weather station located near the Ruxton Hydro Electric Plant, about halfway up Pikes Peak. The weather station is monitored by Springs Utilities, and weather data is shared with the National Weather Service in Pueblo. A ceremony at the weather station is planned for 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
The weather station at Ruxton Park went into service on Sept. 1, 1959. The data from the station helps the National Weather Service in recording temperatures, precipitation and snowfall. It is also critical for Springs Utilities’ ability to monitor weather conditions near its watersheds on Pikes Peak.
The National Weather Service’s Cooperative Observer Program, which the Ruxton weather station is part of, formally began in 1890 to collect basic weather observations on temperature, precipitation and snow to help define the nation’s climate. However, the first observers date back to the early settlers of the country. Today, there are approximately 11,000 observers made up of private citizens as well as public partners like Springs Utilities.
NOTE TO MEDIA: National Weather Service and Colorado Springs Utilities officials will be available for interviews at Tuesday’s ceremony. Media representatives planning to attend must RSVP to Corporate Communications no later than noon on Monday, Sept. 14 so we can reserve adequate space on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway train. If you are attending, please arrive no later than 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday at the Pikes Peak Cog Railway Station.
Media Contact: 719-668-3848
