What is a common maintenance issue faced by RAWS personnel?

Corrosion of components due to moisture is a significant maintenance issue faced by Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) personnel. RAWS units are typically deployed in outdoor environments where they are exposed to various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and humidity. Over time, this exposure can lead to electrolytic corrosion, which degrades metal components, wiring, and other critical parts of the RAWS.

Maintaining the integrity of these components is crucial, as corrosion can disrupt the functionality of the weather station, leading to failures in data collection and transmission. Preventative measures, such as using weather-resistant materials and protective coatings, are essential in minimizing this issue. Addressing corrosion through regular inspections and maintenance helps ensure the longevity and reliability of the RAWS, thereby maintaining accurate weather monitoring capabilities.

Other issues, while they can occur, do not pose the same level of consistent risk as corrosion in outdoor, exposed environments where RAWS are commonly placed.