How Thunderbird Works
Professional forecasts, delivered simply
Register Your Trip
Tell us which trail, your start date, and your phone number. We calculate your route and set up weather monitoring for every camp and peak along the way.
Receive Forecasts
Starting the evening before your trip, you'll receive forecasts at 6 AM and 6 PM daily. Messages are optimized for satellite SMS — maximum information, minimum characters.
Check In at Camps
Text your camp code (e.g., “OBERN”) when you arrive. We'll update your position and notify your SafeCheck contacts. Future forecasts adjust to show what's ahead of you.
Get Alerts
BOM weather warnings are monitored every 15 minutes. If a severe weather warning affects your area, you'll receive it immediately — not just at the scheduled push times.
What Makes Thunderbird Different
BOM 3km Model
Official Bureau of Meteorology data, not aggregated third-party forecasts.
Position-Aware
Forecasts adjust based on where you are, not where you started.
Elevation-Specific
Separate forecasts for camps and peaks using lapse rate adjustments.
Real-Time Warnings
BOM warnings delivered within 15 minutes, not hours.
Compatible Devices
iPhone 14+
Built-in satellite SMS via Emergency SOS. No extra device needed.
Garmin inReach
Mini 2, Explorer+, or any model with two-way messaging.
Zoleo / Spot
Any satellite communicator with SMS capability.
SMS Commands
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| LAKEO | Check in at Lake Oberon camp |
| CAST LAKEO | Get 12-hour hourly forecast for any camp |
| DELAY | Extend trip by 1 day (weather delay) |
| EXTEND | Add more days to trip |
| STATUS | Get your current trip details |
| KEY | Get forecast column legend |
| RESEND | Resend last forecast |
| HELP | Show quick start guide |
| STOP | End service (permanent) |