AcuRite Waterfall Rain Gauge with 5-inch Rainfall Capacity (00858W), Clear

This magnified rain gauge is a fantastic tool for anyone who needs to quickly and easily check rainfall measurements. The magnified display lives up to its promise, making it visible even from a distance, which is incredibly convenient. Installation is a breeze thanks to its screw-on design, allowing for secure attachment to a fence or other suitable surface. It performs its primary function flawlessly, accurately measuring rainfall. The main drawback, particularly for those in hot climates like Texas, is its durability. The gauge tends to crack after approximately three years when exposed to the intense Texas heat. We’re overall pleased with the purchase, especially given its affordable price point and clear visibility.

I know that I could put empty tin cans in the yard to measure rainfall, but that’s so cumbersome. First you have to find a tall straight-walled can, tall enough that the rain doesn’t splash out. Then you have to stick a ruler in the can to measure the depth of water. That’s not very accurate compared to this because in this rain gauge the smaller amounts are amplified by the tapered walls so a small amount of rainfall is magnified to be more easily read. And if it’s still raining, you don’t have to go out in the rain because if you place it where it can be seen from a window you can probably read the level with your bare eyes (if you have good eyes and it’s not too far away). Or, grab a pair of binoculars. Be sure to place the rain gauge in the open, away from interference by tree canopies. I measure the total rainfall for each weather event coming through, then reset the gauge – don’t forget to reset the gauge (pour the water out). I have always wanted a rain gauge and finally sat down to evaluate what was available. This one was priced attractively, looked like it would be easy to read from a distance (it is), and would probably last a few years. I was concerned that the plastic spike would easily break off, so I had planned to use two screws in a narrow piece of sharpened board driven into the ground so I could attach the gauge to the board and remove it easily to dump the water, but I never did that and the plastic spike hasn’t broken off yet. I do try to be careful when sticking it in the ground, however. My only complaint is that it measures only 5 inches, which may not be enough (see my experience below). But I can’t down rate it for that unusual situation, and it does everything else right. I bought this exactly one year ago and the plastic is still clear, but I assume ultraviolet light will eventually take its toll. This a great purchase. In fact, I’ve enjoyed having it so much that I plan to give out this rain gauge as Christmas presents. It’s always difficult to find a present which most people don’t have, but could use and would enjoy having. I think this will make a great, and fairly unusual gift. Thoughtful, yet inexpensive. The weatherman always reports how much rain fell at this airport, that airport, etc. But I know that the sky could fall at my brother's house just a few miles away, and we get not a drop. So I've always wanted to have a way to know exactly how much rain WE got. The only time I really, really wanted to know was during the deluge we got in South Carolina (remember the 1000+ year flood of Oct 2015?). Two measurements taken the first day, added together, totaled 6.5 inches. I dumped the water out just before going to bed, then woke up early the next morning to check the gauge. It had been raining heavily all night and I wanted to know exactly how much we got, but was astonished and disappointed to see that the water was flowing over the brim of the rain gauge while it was continuing to rain heavily. We were supposedly in an area that got some of the heaviest rainfall. We're on a hill so were in no danger of flooding, but sadly I'll never know the exact total amount of the rain we got at our house. I guess you could say the historic rainfall "broke" my rain gauge.

Very basic, but if you just want to know your rainfall to 1/10 inch, and do not 1/100" accuracy for reporting, this should do well. The numbers are large enough to read from several yards away but for the exact reading, you'll still have to get close. (I use binoculars from the house if I want to know "to the tenth".) The magnifying effect the description mentions is mainly useful for spotting the water level; the numbers area already big enough. The price, just under $10 when I bought it, is very reasonable. I dropped one star because I feel it's just too lame that it comes without two screws or nails. I have thousands of both, but it had to go find two just right for this, with enough shaft length and thickness, but a small enough head to slip through the small larger holes (#6 Phillips, one inch long did nicely). A lot of people will not have the right size screw or nail, meaning a trip to the hardware store that could have been easily prevented. I did not see that in the description and it never occurred to me (my bad). What I should have noticed was that it's all one piece. That's OK. It is slightly awkward having to work the gauge out of the larger holes every time you want to dump the water. Nicer was my last similar gauge that had a separate screw-in base that stays on the pole or fence so you can just slip the gauge up, dump, and slip it right back in. OK, I'm nitpicking, and I did not take a star off for that, besides it's my fault for not remembering it. You can also stick this directly in the ground (it is spike shaped) but unless you have just the right soil, soft but also firm, that's very impractical. In heavy rain, the ground would be muddy; the gauge might even tilt over. My rocky ground would sneer at it, and my tall country grasses would constantly grow over it. And you would have to squat way down every time to see the exact level of the water. But, on a wood fence, rail, or post, this will work well.

Beats any electronic gauge on the market! And I've had some. It is calibrated accurately, easy to read and easy to empty. Got one for all my family and they use them more than the electronic ones. I bring mine in for winter, wash it well and it's ready to go again in spring. Hardy!

I got this mostly for my kids. They love it! The numbers are clear and easy for them to read and they love checking it after a rain. It seems durable for a piece of plastic. We stuck it in the ground which was very simple.

Clear plastic makes it easy to read.

Well constructed easy to read from about 15’. Good deal for the money.

Funciona muy bien

After only a few months the paint started coming off. It was just mounted stationary, no movement.

It's good

We love this product! We are on our second one only because I left it out in the winter by mistake last year and it cracked. The numbers are big and it is so easy to read....great product!

I can’t really speak for the accuracy just yet as it is still 10 below here. But upon opening it up and looking at it I can see that the numbers are nice and big. Easy to read. Looking forward to some spring rains to test it. It does feel nice and sturdy. I’m sure it will be able to withstand our prairie winds.