KERR COUNTY, Texas – Just over a year after the catastrophic Guadalupe River flood on July 4, 2025, Kerr County experienced yet another major flood along the river.
Six months after last year’s flood, a groundbreaking flood detection system was installed at several camps along the river and on Thursday, it was put to the test.
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The River Sentry flood warning system was developed by a group of concerned camp parents following last year’s deadly flood.
Unlike conventional flood alerts that rely on weather services and river gauges, River Sentry creates an independent network of flood detection towers that can function even when power, cellular and internet services fail.
Each $7,500 tower combines multiple safeguards:
- Water detection sensors monitor rising water levels
- Two AS-124 speakers capable of generating 135-decibel alarms
- Directional lighting systems that illuminate evacuation routes
- Battery backup systems with solar charging options
- LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) technology for tower-to-tower communication
The system is designed to ensure sleeping campers hear the alarm.
The technology’s reach extends beyond individual camps.
Last year, a group led by Camp Mystic said they planned to install 100 towers along the North and South Fork of the Guadalupe River before the 2026 camping season, creating a network that would benefit entire neighborhoods.
What happened on Thursday, July 16?
River Sentry says six of its RS-1A siren towers autonomously initiated a flash flood intervention after detecting high water at Howdy’s and River Run Campground near Ingram at approximately 3:32 a.m. Thursday morning.
“All units activated, triggering the immediate evacuation of the camp ground and surrounding residents who were awoken by the towers. Kerr County dispatch was notified soon after,” River Sentry said on Facebook. “Three towers were damaged and/or lost and this is OK. We always place our equipment between sleeping quarters and the river to ensure water must encounter our sensors before it reaches people. This strategy was proven sound early this AM. We may have to replace some gear but so be it. It accomplished its purpose.”
Later Thursday afternoon, River Sentry said the three lost towers had been recovered and will be repaired and reinstalled. The other three units were cleaned, inspected, tested, and are back on duty.