Two theories for an unsolved Soviet mystery

[Stimulus mind]

The Dyatlov Pass incident is an intriguing unsolved mystery from the last century. In February 1959, a group of nine experienced Russian mountaineers perished during a difficult expedition in the northern Urals. A snow avalanche hypothesis was proposed, among other theories, but was found to be inconsistent with the evidence of a lower-than-usual slope angle, scarcity of avalanche signs, uncertainties about the trigger mechanism, and abnormal injuries of the victims. The challenge of explaining these observations has led us to a physical mechanism for a slab avalanche caused by progressive wind-blown snow accumulation on the slope above the hikers’ tent. Here we show how a combination of irregular topography, a cut made in the slope to install the tent and the subsequent deposition of snow induced by strong katabatic winds contributed after a suitable time to the slab release, which caused severe non-fatal injuries, in agreement with the autopsy results.

 

[imhotep]

The Dyatlov Pass incident is an intriguing unsolved mystery from the last century. In February 1959, a group of nine experienced Russian mountaineers perished during a difficult expedition in the northern Urals. A snow avalanche hypothesis was proposed, among other theories, but was found to be inconsistent with the evidence of a lower-than-usual slope angle, scarcity of avalanche signs, uncertainties about the trigger mechanism, and abnormal injuries of the victims. The challenge of explaining these observations has led us to a physical mechanism for a slab avalanche caused by progressive wind-blown snow accumulation on the slope above the hikers’ tent. Here we show how a combination of irregular topography, a cut made in the slope to install the tent and the subsequent deposition of snow induced by strong katabatic winds contributed after a suitable time to the slab release, which caused severe non-fatal injuries, in agreement with the autopsy results.

Recently read about the above possibly in Nature... Over the time more than 75 theories have been put forward, but none of these explain the high levels of radioactivity found in the clothes of some of the dead.

 

[lovethebomb]

Spookiest thing is how almost every stranded group that have been found dead in extreme cold climates were practically bare naked in their last moments. I mean it’s not a mystery, we have a well-established medical reason for that, but really unsettling nevertheless. Reminds me what happened to the Donnar party.

Recently read about the above possibly in Nature... Over the time more than 75 theories have been put forward, but none of these explain the high levels of radioactivity found in the clothes of some of the dead.

Wait, weren't some members of the dispatch power plant engineers. I thought that was the standard explanation for this (?). Also, radiation amounts were fairly low and as a result they were unable to characterize the isotope properly if my memory serves.

 

[hodakolla]

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