The Utah Avalanche Center hosts the Batteries for Beacon program to encourage individuals to replace batteries in their avalanche transceivers each year. Batteries are distributed to local participating shops where individuals can receive free batteries after providing their contact information. 

The UAC encourages the use of high-quality batteries in any avalanche safety equipment that requires them. On January 20, 2025, it came to our attention that the AAA Procell Constant batteries distributed in the program this year may be an inadequate length for a standard avalanche transceiver AAA battery housing. Please cease using the AAA Procell Constant batteries distributed by our Batteries for Beacons program immediately.  Replace the batteries in your avalanche transceiver with batteries that fit snugly. 

The UAC has contacted shops participating in the Batteries for Beacon program directly and is replacing batteries that were previously distributed. The UAC has contacted the nearly 300 people who provided their information when they collected batteries from their local shop and will be sending replacement batteries directly to those individuals. The UAC has not found any issue with the AA Procell Constant batteries at this time but will be providing replacements for all AA and AAA batteries distributed in the Batteries for Beacons program this season. 

Batteries can vary in length, and after the UAC received one report of this issue, we were able to replicate the issue in several brands of avalanche transceivers. In replicating this, the team found that AAA Procell Constant batteries did not remain snugly affixed to the battery terminal contact points. We inspected the terminal points in the battery housing and found no damage. We determined the batteries were slightly too short for the housing led to the terminal ends of the battery to intermittently disconnect, thus turning off the device. If batteries are not the correct length, or the terminal ports are damaged, the batteries could intermittently become dislodged, leading to the transceiver losing power. Regardless of the brand or model, it’s imperative to ensure that the batteries fit snugly and fully connect with the battery terminals. 

Routine equipment checks and proper gear maintenance are essential when using an avalanche transceiver. In addition to taking good care of your equipment, be sure to follow all transceiver manufacturer recommendations for firmware updates, recalls, and tips & tricks. 

Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions. 

An example of the varying lengths of batteries. The UAC always encourages the use of high-quality batteries for avalanche safety equipment. If batteries vary in length, or the terminal ports are damaged in the transceiver, batteries could intermittently become dislodged, leading to the transceiver losing power or turning off. Routine equipment checks and proper gear maintenance are essential when using an avalanche transceiver. In addition to taking good care of your equipment, be sure to follow all transceiver manufacturer recommendations for firmware updates, recalls, and tips & tricks.