If you plan on exploring the backcountry areas of Grand Canyon National Park, you can now subscribe to a new emergency warning system that works in areas outside of cell phone coverage. The Grand Canyon River Alert System is a free, subscription-based service specifically designed to send custom hazard-related alerts to satellite messaging devices. It is the first system of its kind in the nation. Visitors can also get the alerts through a cell phone when reception is available.
Alerts may include information on flash flood warnings, boating hazards, missing persons, and critical streamflow-related operations for the Colorado River. The system was developed by the USGS in collaboration with Arizona’s Coconino County Emergency Management department, the National Weather Service and the National Park Service, utilizing the unique data resources and capabilities of each organization.
“Information about impending flash floods, debris flows or boating hazards have not previously been accessible to backcountry visitors in Grand Canyon. This warning system provides National Weather Service or Park Service alerts ahead of events, so that visitors can respond accordingly.” –Tom Gushue, USGS GIS Coordinator
“We have never been able to reach people in Grand Canyon with flash flood warnings like this before. We are grateful for the coordination to make this possible and have the chance to save lives. -Megan Taylor, Lead Meteorologist at the National Weather Service Flagstaff Field Office
The new alert system was specifically developed for the Grand Canyon but the framework it uses could be applied to most wilderness areas providing timely alerts to people visiting or living in areas outside of cellular signal coverage.
“This new alert system provides a critical communication link in remote areas, giving backcountry users timely information about flash floods or other hazards they may encounter. At the same time, no technology replaces the need for personal preparation and situational awareness. Visitors should always research their route, understand the risks, and be ready to adapt when conditions change.” –Ed Keable, Superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park
Subscriptions must be made prior to leaving on a backcountry visit. To subscribe for alerts, text GCRIVERALERTS to 928-707-7842 from the device they wish to subscribe to be added to the Grand Canyon River Alerts list. For more information about how to subscribe, click here.Â
Grand Canyon River Alert System Subscription Details and Support:
It is imperative that users register their satellite devices prior to arriving at Lees Ferry to ensure they can receive critical alerts.
To subscribe to the Grand Canyon River Alerts, users can text GCRIVERALERTS to 928-707-7842 from their personal mobile phones or satellite texting devices. Once subscribed, you will receive a confirmation message. If you do not receive a confirmation message do not assume that you are subscribed. It is essential to receive a confirmation message to ensure successful subscription before embarking on any trip. Alternatively, users can sign up for email versions of alerts at https://smart911.com.
Technical Considerations
It’s important to note that satellite texting devices, such as those from Garmin and SPOT, have limitations on the number of custom messages they can receive during the length of a typical river trip. All messages from the Grand Canyon River Alert system, including signup and confirmation messages, count towards this limit. Subscribers will be automatically removed from the list at the end of the commercial boating season (November of each year) to prevent receiving unwanted messages.
Users can opt out at any time by texting “LEAVE GCRIVERALERTS” or “STOP” to stop all messages.
Essential Tips for Garmin/InReach Users
Successfully subscribing to the alert system may require additional configuration of your satellite texting device, specifically if it is a Garmin/ InReach device. The Rave Mobile Safety alert system managed by Coconino County Emergency Management can only accept the exact characters of GCRIVERALERTS during signup. If additional text or links are included in the message, subscribing (or unsubscribing) will fail, and a confirmation message will not be received.
Unmodified Garmin text messages usually include two additional components: a link to the user’s location and a signature. It is strongly recommended to test the content of your satellite message by sending a text to your personal cell phone first to ensure neither of these components are included. Both can be removed by modifying settings at https://explore.garmin.com. Additionally, satellite texting devices must send out a message to a number before they can receive inbound messages, so getting the signup message format correct is the only method to receive alerts on these devices.
