The Contract Weather Office (CWO) is a little known entity on our airport. It was created in 2005 when the FAA contracted out weather observations. Before then, the FAA AFSS (Automated Flight Service Station) specialists were responsible for the airport's weather observations.
The Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) consists of a group of sensors and instruments located on our airfield which sends data to a computer that then produces the scheduled hourly report (METAR) or when conditions require, the unscheduled report (SPECI). The data includes cloud ceilings, visibility, temperature, winds, precipitation and altimeter pressure. The CWO staff augments the ASOS reports for non representative, incorrect or additional data. They also provide back-up for the ASOS due to partial or total equipment outage. During winter weather, they measure and report the snow depth and the water equivalent.