QuestionsDyatlov Pass incidentWhat made nine experienced ski-tourers cut their way out of the tent and leave it, underdressed, in the dark?Answer
Answer · Dyatlov Pass incident
A small slab avalanche, released from the wind-loaded slope above the cut the group made to level the tent,…
A small slab avalanche, released from the wind-loaded slope above the cut the group made to level the tent, struck the tent and injured several of them; the rest cut their way out and took the injured to shelter.
Where it stands
Most likelyIts tests supported it: three pieces of evidence for, three against. It needs two reviews to be accepted.
What it predicts
- The slope above the tent site is steep enough (over about 28–30 degrees) for slab release.
- Wind-loading on the night of 1 February could build a slab in the hours after pitching.
- A slab of the inferred size striking a body on a rigid base produces the rib and skull fractures found.
- Slab avalanches occur on that slope under winter conditions.
What would rule it out
- A demonstration that the slope at the tent site cannot hold a slab of the required size, or forensic analysis showing the injuries are inconsistent with blunt impact from above while lying down.
Evidence 3 for · 3 against
FOR
FOR
FOR
AGAINST
AGAINST
The questions it answers
Most likelyA small slab avalanche, released from the wind-loaded slope above the cut the group made to level the tent,…
Cite it
Mysteries Department. (2026). A small slab avalanche, released from the wind-loaded slope above the cut the group made to level the tent,… [Answer ANS0D79DK4C79EX]. https://mysteriesdept.com/r/ANS0D79DK4C79EX
@misc{mysteriesdept_ans0d79dk4c79ex,
title = {A small slab avalanche, released from the wind-loaded slope above the cut the group made to level the tent,…},
author = {{Mysteries Department}},
year = {2026},
note = {Answer, catalog key ANS0D79DK4C79EX},
url = {https://mysteriesdept.com/r/ANS0D79DK4C79EX}
}