# Avalanche Forecasts vs Global Avy

The clearest difference is update cadence: Global Avy at monthly against Avalanche Forecasts's every 8 months. Global Avy also leads on iOS requirement (12.2 vs 15.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Avalanche Forecasts ships an update every 8 months, Global Avy monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Avalanche Forecasts | Global Avy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (403 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/avalanche-forecasts/id501231389/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **403** | — |
| Positive reviews | 75.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 37 MB | 145 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **12.2** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sierra Avalanche Center](https://appshunter.io/developer/1651253835) | [Timothy Zander](https://appshunter.io/developer/1880812588) |

## What reviewers say

### Avalanche Forecasts

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/avalanche-forecasts/id501231389)

Access real-time avalanche danger levels across North America with this app. View color-coded danger levels on a map for your chosen timeframe and explore detailed forecasts from over 20 forecasting centers. Stay informed about conditions wherever your adventures take you.

**Highlights:** Real-time avalanche danger levels, Map view with color-coded danger levels, Selectable timeframes (Today, Tomorrow, 2 Days Out), Detailed forecasts from over 20 centers, Support for NWAC, CAIC, UAC, and more

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy-to-use interface and navigation
- 🗺️ Consolidated map view of multiple avalanche regions
- ⚡ Quick access to critical avalanche forecasts
- 🆓 Free app with valuable safety information
- 📱 Simple and intuitive design for on-the-go access

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability issues
- 🐛 Color coding not displaying correctly (especially Washington state)
- 🐛 Offline cache feature not working for certain regions
- 🐛 Regional data not populating even when connected to internet
- 🔄 App not updating forecasts from certain centers (NWAC)

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes at startup
- Color coding displays as gray for entire regions
- Offline cache not functioning for NWAC zones
- Mt Hood zone not populating data
- Clicking on regions shows all state forecasts instead of specific region

**Requested features**

- iPad Pro screen size optimization
- Trip planning tools
- Slope evaluation features
- Checklists for backcountry planning
- Inclinometer tool


### Global Avy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/global-avy/id6759811107)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Avalanche Forecasts free?

Avalanche Forecasts is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Global Avy free?

Global Avy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Avalanche Forecasts or Global Avy have ads?

Neither Avalanche Forecasts nor Global Avy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Avalanche Forecasts or Global Avy?

Avalanche Forecasts ships an update every 8 months, and Global Avy monthly. Most recently, Avalanche Forecasts was updated on October 9, 2026 and Global Avy on September 30, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*