SMS Utility Service — Informational Only
AI-Summarized Forecasts

On-Demand Mountain Weather via SMS

Powder Trace delivers mountain weather forecasts, summarized by a trained AI language model, directly to your device as a text message — no smartphone app or internet connection required in the field.

Designed for hikers, climbers, and backcountry travelers in the Pacific Northwest who need conditions data while in remote terrain. Works with a Garmin inReach or similar inReach-type satellite communicator, other satellite texting devices, or standard SMS on any cell phone.

About This Service

Powder Trace is a non-commercial SMS utility operated as a personal project. It scrapes publicly available NWS (National Weather Service) forecast data and returns it via Twilio to pre-registered users on demand. The service sends no promotional, marketing, or unsolicited messages — every outbound SMS is a direct response to an inbound request from a registered user.

All messages are strictly informational. The service exists to improve safety for outdoor recreationists who may not have reliable internet access but can send and receive text messages via a Garmin inReach or similar inReach-type satellite communicator, another satellite texting device, or standard SMS.

AI-Generated Summaries: Forecast text sent by the Service is summarized and formatted by a trained AI (LLM) language model. While the underlying weather data is drawn from official sources, the wording of each message is machine-generated and may occasionally contain errors. Always use good judgment and consult official channels for life-safety decisions.

How It Works

1

Register Your Number

Complete the registration form below, including the SMS consent checkbox. No messages are ever sent without prior registration and consent.

2

Send a Command

Text a weather command to the service number from your registered phone (e.g., rainier synopsis or noca zonal).

3

Receive Weather Data

The service responds immediately with the requested NWS forecast data for that zone — no app, no account, no internet required.

Register for Powder Trace

Registration is reviewed and confirmed by the operator. You will receive a confirmation text message once your number is registered. Powder Trace never sends unsolicited messages — all forecast messages are sent only in response to a command you text to the service.

Supported Weather Zones

Mt. Rainier

Keyword prefix: rainier

  • rainier synopsisCurrent weather synopsis
  • rainier impactsHazards and weather impacts
  • rainier fxbydayDay-by-day forecast breakdown
  • rainier fxchartForecast chart (AI-formatted)
  • rainier extendedfxExtended multi-day outlook

Northern Cascades

Keyword prefix: noca

  • noca zonalFull NWS zonal forecast for the Northern Cascades

Additional zones may be added over time.

Sample Messages

All outbound messages are direct responses to inbound user commands. The following are representative examples of actual service responses.

Example 1 — Synopsis Request

rainier synopsis
MT RAINIER AREA — SYNOPSIS: A strong high pressure system dominates the region through Thursday. Ridgetop winds light and variable. Freezing level near 11,000 ft. Clear skies expected with excellent summit visibility.

Example 2 — Forecast by Day

rainier fxbyday
TODAY: Sunny. Highs near 52 at 5500 ft. Light SW winds. TONIGHT: Clear. Lows 34. Calm winds. WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy. Chance of afternoon showers above 8000 ft. Winds NW 15-25 mph.

Example 3 — Opt-In Confirmation (sent once at registration)

Powder Trace: You're registered. Text a zone command (e.g. rainier synopsis) for the latest NWS forecast. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for commands, STOP to unsubscribe.

Example 4 — Opt-Out Confirmation

STOP
You have been unsubscribed from Powder Trace. No further messages will be sent. Reply START to re-subscribe.

Consent & Messaging Policy

Opt-In Process

  • ✓Registering: Complete the registration form on this page, including the SMS consent checkbox. The operator reviews each registration and sends a confirmation text once your number is added. You can also opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message, and re-subscribe by replying START.
  • ✓A confirmation SMS is sent at registration informing the user of the service, commands, and how to opt out.
  • ✓No messages are ever initiated by the service — all responses are triggered by an inbound user request.
  • ✓Opt-in is documented and logged per number.

Opt-Out Process

  • ✓Text STOP, CANCEL, or UNSUBSCRIBE at any time to be immediately removed.
  • ✓A single opt-out confirmation message is sent, then no further messages are ever sent to that number.
  • ✓Text HELP to receive a list of supported commands and the opt-out reminder.
  • ✓Text START to re-subscribe after opting out.

Message Frequency & Cost Disclosure

  • Frequency: Message frequency varies by user. The service only sends a response when the user sends a command — there are no scheduled, recurring, or unsolicited outbound messages.
  • Cost: Message and data rates may apply from the user's carrier. Powder Trace does not charge users for the service.
  • Content: All messages contain NWS weather forecast data only. No marketing, promotional, or third-party content is ever included.

Contact

For questions about this service, registration requests, or to request removal of your phone number from the system, contact the service operator at: info@powdertrace.com