# Avalanche Forecasts vs SmokeCast

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Avalanche Forecasts at none against SmokeCast's 3. Avalanche Forecasts also leads on ratings volume (403 vs 3). SmokeCast's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs every 8 months) and review sentiment (100% vs 76%). On price, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SmokeCast sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Avalanche Forecasts asks for nothing beyond the download.

SmokeCast holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Avalanche Forecasts has 403 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of Avalanche Forecasts's written reviews are positive against 100% of SmokeCast's.

Avalanche Forecasts ships an update every 8 months, SmokeCast every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Avalanche Forecasts | SmokeCast |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (403 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/avalanche-forecasts/id501231389/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smokecast/id6805199869/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **403** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 75.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 37 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sierra Avalanche Center](https://appshunter.io/developer/1651253835) | [Kyle Allred](https://appshunter.io/developer/6805199871) |

## 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


### SmokeCast

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smokecast/id6805199869)

This app provides a 72-hour forecast of wildfire smoke and air quality, hour by hour. It uses EPA monitor data to correct NOAA's forecast, showing you where smoke is and when it will clear. Plan outdoor activities and protect your health by knowing current and future air conditions.

**Highlights:** 72-hour animated smoke forecast, Hourly air quality predictions, Corrected NOAA forecast with EPA data, View air quality at breathing level, Compare air quality between locations, Active fire mapping, Save favorite locations

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small tip | $2.99 | one-time |
| Medium tip | $8.99 | one-time |
| Large Tip | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Avalanche Forecasts free?

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

### Is SmokeCast free?

SmokeCast is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Avalanche Forecasts or SmokeCast?

SmokeCast is rated higher. Avalanche Forecasts averages 4.7 out of 5 from 403 ratings, while SmokeCast averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Avalanche Forecasts or SmokeCast have ads?

Neither Avalanche Forecasts nor SmokeCast shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Avalanche Forecasts or SmokeCast?

Avalanche Forecasts ships an update every 8 months, and SmokeCast every 2 days. Most recently, Avalanche Forecasts was updated on October 22, 2026 and SmokeCast on October 16, 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.*