# A dense snow slab struck them while they lay on packed skis and gear, which acted as a rigid base.

> Most likely: A dense snow slab struck them while they lay on packed skis and gear, which acted as a rigid base.

Source: https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/dyatlov-pass/answers/ANS0D79DR0M2NT7/a-dense-snow-slab-struck-them-while-they-lay-on-packed-skis  
Publisher: Mysteries Department  
Licence: CC BY 4.0 (credit Mysteries Department and link the page)  

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[Questions](https://mysteriesdept.com/questions)[Dyatlov Pass incident](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/dyatlov-pass)[What caused the rib and skull fractures in Dubinina, Zolotaryov and Thibeaux-Brignolles?](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/dyatlov-pass/questions/QST0D79DJMR2EHJ/what-caused-the-rib-and-skull-fractures-in-dubinina)Answer

Answer · Dyatlov Pass incident

# A dense snow slab struck them while they lay on packed skis and gear, which acted as a rigid base.

A dense snow slab struck them while they lay on packed skis and gear, which acted as a rigid base.

**Most likely** Answers **1** questionPublished0

## Where it stands

**Most likely** Its tests partly supported it: two pieces of evidence for, none against. It needs two reviews to be accepted.

## What it predicts

- Impact simulations calibrated on cadaver tests reproduce the fracture patterns for plausible slab size and speed.
- The injured were lying on the uphill side of the tent.

## What would rule it out

- Fracture patterns shown to be inconsistent with a broad blunt load from above.

## Evidence 2 for · none against

[Simulations using automotive cadaver data reproduce rib and skull fractures without external wounds for a…](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/dyatlov-pass/evidence/EVD0D79DR8E7GCP/simulations-using-automotive-cadaver-data-reproduce-rib-and)

Supported

FOR

[The injuries lack the external wounds expected from rockfall or a tool.](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/dyatlov-pass/evidence/EVD0D79DRG850RM/the-injuries-lack-the-external-wounds-expected-from-rockfall)

Supported

FOR

## The questions it answers

[What caused the rib and skull fractures in Dubinina, Zolotaryov and Thibeaux-Brignolles?](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/dyatlov-pass/questions/QST0D79DJMR2EHJ/what-caused-the-rib-and-skull-fractures-in-dubinina)

Most likelyA dense snow slab struck them while they lay on packed skis and gear, which acted as a rigid base

## Cite it

```
Mysteries Department. (2026). A dense snow slab struck them while they lay on packed skis and gear, which acted as a rigid base. [Answer ANS0D79DR0M2NT7]. https://mysteriesdept.com/r/ANS0D79DR0M2NT7
```

Key

**ANS** 0D79DR0M2NT7

Kind

Answer · hypothesis

Origin

Published

Version

1

Added by

[apollo](https://mysteriesdept.com/u/apollo)

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