The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·15732·Announced 2015-05-12

Mountain Safety Research Recalls Avalanche Rescue Snow Shovels Due to Failure Risk

Mountain Safety Research is recalling specific avalanche rescue snow shovels because the lower lock button can fail, causing the blade to detach from the shaft during use.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

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 (emergency rescue equipment) where the failure could prevent the intended rescue, but no injuries have been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Mountain Safety Research (MSR), a division of Cascade Designs Inc., is recalling approximately 4,300 avalanche rescue snow shovels in the United States and 340 in Canada. The recall involves the Operator T, Operator D, and Responder models. These shovels measure about 32 to 34 inches long, feature red or yellow blades, and have gray handles with "Mountain Safety Research" printed on the shaft and "MSR" on the blade.

The hazard exists because the lower lock button on the shovel's shaft can fail to secure the metal blade. If this occurs, the shaft and blade may come apart, rendering the shovel unusable for its intended purpose of rescuing avalanche victims. No injuries have been reported in connection with this defect.

The affected shovels were sold at outdoor recreation stores, including Bass Pro Shops and REI, as well as online at Amazon.com and other websites, from October 2014 through January 2015. The price range was between $60 and $70. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled shovels and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or contact Mountain Safety Research for a free replacement shaft.

The recalled product

Product
Avalanche rescue snow shovels
Manufacturer
Cascade Designs Inc., of Seattle, Wash., also known as Mountain Safety Research (MSR)
Category
Consumer Product — Outdoor Recreation
Hazard
Affected units
4,300

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · structural failure

See all →

Similar recalls