Recall: Cascade Designs Recalls Avalanche Rescue Probes Due to Risk of Suffocation

Description: This recall involves Mountain Safety Research Striker™ 320, Striker™ 240 avalanche rescue probes. The probe is divided into six or eight sections of 18-inch aluminum shafts that lock into place to create a single 94-inch or 126-inch probe, depending on the model. The probe is used by searchers to help identify something or someone buried by snow after an avalanche. "Striker 320" is printed on the red and gray probe and "Striker 240" is printed on the yellow and gray probe. "MSR" is printed on the shaft.

Name of product: Avalanche rescue probes

Units: About 1,600 in the U.S. (in addition, about 230 were sold in Canada)

Hazard: The lock button on the probe can fail to engage and lock, causing the probe not to function as intended. This can interfere with finding someone buried beneath snow, posing a suffocation hazard.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled probes and call Cascade Designs for instructions on receiving a refund or free replacement probe.

Recall date: May 03, 2016

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold At: REI and other outdoor recreation stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com and other websites from September 2014 through January 2016 for between $60 and $70.

Importers: Cascade Designs Inc., of Seattle, Wash.

Manufactured in: Korea

Consumer contact: Cascade Designs at 800-531-9531 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT on Monday through Friday or online at www.msrgear.com and click on "Recall" for more information.

Recall number: 16-155