Fact Check: Dyatlov pass slab avalanche

Fact Check: Dyatlov Pass Slab Avalanche

What We Know

The Dyatlov Pass incident refers to the mysterious deaths of nine experienced Russian hikers in February 1959 in the Ural Mountains. The group, led by Igor Dyatlov, set up camp on the eastern slopes of Kholat Saykhl and perished under unexplained circumstances. Initial investigations concluded that a "compelling natural force" caused their deaths, with hypothermia cited as the primary cause, while some victims suffered severe physical trauma (Wikipedia).

The avalanche theory has been a prominent explanation among various hypotheses. A study published in 2021 suggested that a slab avalanche could explain the injuries found on some of the victims, proposing that a combination of local topography and strong katabatic winds could have led to the release of a small snow slab above the tent (Nature). This theory posits that the hikers might have been forced to flee their tent due to the avalanche, leading to their subsequent deaths from exposure (New York Times).

In 2019, the Russian Investigative Committee reopened the case and concluded that an avalanche was the most probable cause of the incident, although this conclusion has been met with skepticism due to conflicting evidence regarding the slope angle and lack of avalanche debris (History).

Analysis

The claim that a slab avalanche was responsible for the Dyatlov Pass incident is partially true. While recent studies support the possibility of a slab avalanche occurring under specific conditions, significant evidence contradicts the notion that a typical avalanche scenario played out.

1. Slope Angle: The average slope where the tent was pitched was reportedly less than 30 degrees, which is generally considered insufficient for a slab avalanche to occur (Ars Technica).
2. Lack of Avalanche Signs: Search teams found no obvious signs of an avalanche or debris at the site, which raises questions about the avalanche theory (Nature).
3. Injury Patterns: The injuries sustained by some of the hikers, particularly severe thoracic and skull injuries, are not typical of avalanche victims, further complicating the avalanche hypothesis (Wikipedia).

Despite these contradictions, the 2021 study and subsequent investigations have attempted to reconcile these discrepancies by suggesting that unique local conditions could have led to a delayed slab avalanche. This theory posits that factors like wind-blown snow accumulation and irregular topography could have contributed to a small slab release, which might explain the injuries without the typical signs of a larger avalanche (Nature, ResearchGate).

The credibility of the sources varies; while peer-reviewed studies provide a scientific basis for the claims, some conclusions drawn by investigative bodies may lack thorough scientific backing, leading to ongoing debates among researchers and the public (History, New York Times).

Conclusion

The claim that a slab avalanche was responsible for the Dyatlov Pass incident is partially true. While recent research supports the possibility of a slab avalanche occurring under specific conditions, significant evidence contradicts the typical avalanche narrative, such as the insufficient slope angle and the absence of avalanche debris. The complexity of the incident, combined with the varying interpretations of evidence, suggests that while an avalanche could have played a role, it may not be the sole explanation for the tragic events that unfolded.

Sources

1. Mechanisms of slab avalanche release and impact in the ...
2. Dyatlov Pass incident
3. Researchers Find Another Clue in the Dyatlov Pass Mystery
4. Using science to explain the mysterious Dyatlov Pass Incident
5. Avalanche is likeliest explanation for tragic Dyatlov Pass ...
6. The Dyatlov Pass Incident: Why the Hiker Deaths Remain a ...
7. Mechanisms of slab avalanche release and impact in the ...
8. Avalanche 2023 - Dyatlov Pass