Avalanche Rescue Snow Shovels Recalled by Mountain Safety Research Due to Risk of Failure During Emergency Rescues (Recall Alert)
Recall at a glance
- Recall number
- 15-732 (CPSC)
- Recall date
- May 12, 2015
- Brand
- Mountain Safety Research
- Category
- Other consumer products
- Products
- Avalanche rescue snow shovels
- Hazard
- Risk of Failure During Emergency Rescues (Recall Alert)
- Hazard type
- Laceration and cuts
- Remedy
- Refund, Repair
- Units
- About 4,300 in the United States and 340 in Canada
- Made in
- Taiwan
- Last updated by CPSC
- May 12, 2015
What was recalled
This recall involves Mountain Safety Research Operator™ T, Operator™ D, and Responder™ avalanche rescue snow shovels. Lock buttons on the lower shaft connect the metal shovel blade to the metal shaft. Recalled shovels have a slit on either side of the lower lock button. The shovels measure about 32 to 34 inches long. The blades are red or yellow in color and the handles are gray. "Mountain Safety Research" is printed on the shaft of the handle. "MSR" is printed on the front of the shovel blade.
Is my product affected?
Compare your product with the details below, including model numbers where listed.
- Avalanche rescue snow shovels · About 4,300 in the United States and 340 in Canada units
Photos from the recall notice




Where it was sold
Companies named in the notice: Outdoor recreation stores, including Bass Pro Shops, REI and others, nationwide and online at Amazon.com and other websites from October 2014 through January 2015 for between $60 and $70.; Cascade Designs Inc., of Seattle, Wash., also known as Mountain Safety Research (MSR).
Consumer contact
Mountain Safety Research at (800) 531-9531 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT, email consumer@cascadedesigns.com or online at www.msrgear.com and click on "Have You Purchased an MSR Snow Shovel" for more information.
Recall history and context
Mountain Safety Research appears in 2 CPSC recalls on record.
Since 2019 CPSC has recorded 399 recalls in the other consumer products category, 68 recalls of them in the past 12 months.
Frequently asked questions
What was recalled?
Avalanche rescue snow shovels (About 4,300 in the United States and 340 in Canada units). This recall involves Mountain Safety Research Operator™ T, Operator™ D, and Responder™ avalanche rescue snow shovels.
Why was it recalled?
CPSC lists the reason as: Risk of Failure During Emergency Rescues (Recall Alert).
What should I do if I own one?
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled shovels and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or to Mountain Safety Research for a free replacement shaft.
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June 25, 2002 · Mountain Safety Research · Heaters, fans and air conditionersThe recalled fuel includes MSR White Premium Blend Stove Fuel. The fuel is packaged in red metal cans. The words "MSR...White Gas" and "1 Quart/.95 Liter" are printed…
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Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall data, shown as published and last updated by CPSC on May 12, 2015. Details can change; the official notice is the authority. If your product may be recalled, stop and read the notice before deciding what to do. Terms and disclaimer.