The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·12268·Announced 2012-08-30

Snowpulse Avalanche Airbags Recalled Due to Cartridge Leak Risk

Snowpulse is recalling avalanche airbags because a cartridge leak may prevent deployment, posing a risk of death or injury during an avalanche.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product where the failure to deploy could result in death or injury, but the source explicitly states that no injuries have been reported.

Plain-English summary

Snowpulse SA is recalling approximately 1,200 avalanche airbags in the United States and 2,600 in Canada. The recall involves Snowpulse Avalanche airbags equipped with inflation-system 1.0 air cartridges, specifically model years 2008 through 2010. These airbags are used for skiing, snowmobiling, and mountain climbing to help keep users above the surface during an avalanche. The affected packs range from 15 to 45 liters and feature the "Snowpulse" logo. The metal cartridge, which unscrews from the airbag, can be identified by a pin inside the threaded fitting on the side; if the gauge dial lacks an "A" or "B," it is included in the recall.

The hazard is that a leak in the airbag's cartridge can result in the airbag not deploying. This failure poses a risk of death and injury in the event of an avalanche. No injuries have been reported in connection with this recall.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled airbags. They should contact Snowpulse at (800) 451-5127 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or visit www.snowpulse.com to obtain a replacement cartridge. The airbags were sold at specialty outdoor and motorsports stores nationwide from September 2008 through April 2012 for between $900 and $1,200.

The recalled product

Product
Snowpulse Avalanche Airbags
Affected units
1,200

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.