Sport avalanche transceivers are being recalled by Black Diamond due to loss of communication that could lead to injury or death

Black Diamond is recalling about 66,100 sport avalanche transceivers in the United States and about 12,500 in Canada.

Black Diamond has received 65 reports of the transceiver modes switching unexpectedly while in use. One death and one instance of a skier getting caught in an avalanche who suffered a broken arm and minor injuries were reported in British Columbia.

The transceiver can switch modes unexpectedly when not locked or installed in the harness.  When this occurs, it will prevent the transceiver from transmitting a signal and can make it difficult to locate a skier in an avalanche. This can result in severe bodily harm or death.

This recall involves all PIEPS DSP Pro, DSP Pro Ice, and DSP sport avalanche transceivers. The transceivers are worn by skiers so they can be located if they’re buried in an avalanche.

The units were sold in one size with an LCD display and a slider switch with Off/Search/Send. They’re powered by a battery. The devices have a green/yellow, black/yellow, or clear/yellow exterior.  The transceivers come with a black neoprene carrying case. 

The manufacturer’s name, PIEPS, is printed in black letters on the front of the unit with the model name DSP Pro, DSP Pro Ice, and DSP Sport.  

The recall includes PIEPS DSP Sport Avalanche Transceiver MODEL NO. PP1128040000ALL1; PIEPS DSP Pro Avalanche Transceiver MODEL NO. PP1127710000ALL1; and PIEPS DSP Pro Ice Avalanche Transceiver MODEL NO. PP1127700000ALL1.  

The model name DSP02 can be found on the inside of the battery door, and the model number is on the outside of the packaging.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled avalanche transceivers and contact Black Diamond for a free replacement hardcase carrying system and user guide to be used with the recalled transceivers, the company and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission advise.

For more information, call Black Diamond at 866-306-0865 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, email dsprecall@bdel.com, visit www.blackdiamondequipment.com and click on “Safety Recall” located at the top of the webpage, or visit https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/content/dsp-recall/.

For details on other recalls, see www.recalls.gov.