NWS Cheyenne Radar Life Extension Program (SLEP) Upgrade and Downtime

Beginning 18 August 2022, the KCYS WSR-88D radar operated by the NOAA National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WY will be down for approximately seven days for the replacement of the generator, fuel tanks, and accompanying components. This activity is important to support the radar’s operation during periods of commercial power outages, specifically when hazardous weather is present.

This generator update is the fifth major project of the NEXRAD Service Life Extension Program, a series of upgrades and replacements that will keep our nation’s radars viable into the 2030’s. NOAA National Weather Service, the United States Air Force, and the Federal Aviation Administration are investing $150 million in the eight year program. The first project was the installation of the new signal processor and the second project was the transmitter refurbishment. The two remaining projects are the refurbishment of the pedestal and equipment shelters. The Service Life Extension Program will be complete in 2023.

Radars are critically important in remote sensing severe storms, snow, wildfire smoke, and weather forecasting for critical watches and warnings. NWS forecasters will use surrounding radars and satellite information to continue issuing any warnings, when needed.

During the downtime, please use the links below to access adjacent radars, including: KRIW in Riverton, WY, KUDX in Rapid City, SD, KLNX in North Platte, NE, KGLD in Goodland, KS, KFTG in Denver, CO, or KGJX in Grand Junction, CO. For direct access to any of these surrounding radar sites, go to the following web page: https://radar.weather.gov

WSR-88D Radar Network:

The WSR-88D is part of a network of 159 operational radars. The Radar Operations Center in Norman, Oklahoma, provides lifecycle management and support for all WSR-88Ds, including the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP). Click on image below to learn more on how radar works.

Other Radar Sites:

During the downtime from August 18th to at least August 25, adjacent radars will be available, including: Regional Radar  Riverton, WY - KRIW Radar Denver, CO - KFTG Radar Rapid City, SD - KUDX Radar Grand Junction, CO - KGJX Radar North Platte, NE - KLNX Radar Goodland, KS - KGLD Radar For direct access to any of these surrounding radar sites, visit our radar web page Satellite data can also be accessed here

Nearby National Weather Service Radars:
Regional Radar	Riverton, WY	Denver, CO
North Platte, NE	Grand Junction, CO	Goodland, KS

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