The Dyatlov Pass Incident: A New Theory of “Microburst and Small Avalanche” Unravels the 60-Year-Old Mystery

In February 1959, nine ski hikers died mysteriously in the northern Ural Mountains of the Soviet Union. This became known as the “Dyatlov Pass Incident,” an enigma that continues to puzzle the world with numerous hypotheses. This article delves into the incident’s details, reviews existing theories, and presents a new perspective: the “Microburst and Small Avalanche Combined Factors Theory.” After more than 60 years, we are closer than ever to uncovering the truth.

1. Introduction: What is the Dyatlov Pass Incident?

The Dyatlov Pass Incident refers to the unexplained deaths of nine ski hikers on the eastern slope of Kholat Syakhl (meaning “Dead Mountain” in the local Mansi language) in the northern Ural Mountains on the night of February 2, 1959. The group was led by Igor Dyatlov, hence the name “Dyatlov Pass Incident.” Despite being experienced hikers with a well-planned route, all members perished. The circumstances surrounding their deaths were extremely unusual, leading to numerous speculations and making it one of the world’s most famous unsolved mysteries.

2. Timeline of Events: From the Start of the Hike to the Discovery of the Bodies

The group consisted of ten members, a mix of students and graduates from the Ural Polytechnical Institute, including eight men and two women, led by Igor Dyatlov. The initial members were:

• Igor Dyatlov (Игорь Дятлов) – Leader, 23 years old
• Yuri Doroshenko (Юрий Дорошенко) – 21 years old
• Lyudmila Dubinina (Людмила Дубинина) – 20 years old
• Alexander Kolevatov (Александр Колеватов) – 24 years old
• Zinaida Kolmogorova (Зинаида Колмогорова) – 22 years old
• Rustem Slobodin (Рустем Слободин) – 23 years old
• Yuri Krivonischenko (Юрий Кривонищенко) – 23 years old
• Nikolai Thibeaux-Brignolles (Николай Тибо-Бриньоль) – 23 years old
• Semyon Zolotaryov (Семен Золотарев) – 38 years old
• Yuri Yudin (Юрий Юдин) – 21 years old, turned back due to illness

They departed from the city of Ivdel (Ивдель) on January 23rd. On January 27th, the group reached Vizhay (Вижай), the last inhabited settlement to the north. Here, Yuri Yudin fell ill and decided to turn back, ultimately becoming the sole survivor of the incident. The remaining nine members reached the foot of their target mountain, Otorten (Отортен), on January 31st and began their ascent. However, due to worsening weather conditions, they lost their way, deviated west from their planned route, and ended up on the slopes of Kholat Syakhl.

On February 1st, they set up camp on the slopes of Kholat Syakhl for the night. The original plan was to return to Vizhay by February 12th and report their safe return to the sports club. However, when no contact was received by the due date, a search party was organized on February 20th. On February 26th, their tent was found on the slopes of Kholat Syakhl. The tent was badly damaged and had been cut open from the inside. Nine sets of footprints were found around the tent, some in socks, some with only one shoe, and some barefoot. Following the footprints led to the edge of a forest, where the remains of a fire and the bodies of Yuri Doroshenko and Yuri Krivonischenko were found under a large cedar tree. Both were in their underwear and barefoot. Later, the bodies of Dyatlov, Kolmogorova, and Slobodin were found between the cedar tree and the tent. It is believed they died while trying to return to the tent.

The remaining four bodies were discovered more than two months later, on May 4th, as the snow began to melt. They were found under the snow in a ravine about 75 meters from the cedar tree. These four had suffered more severe injuries than the first five, further adding to the mystery of the incident.

3. Unexplained Clues: The Many Mysteries Left at the Scene

The condition of the scene and the bodies presented numerous unexplained clues:

1. The Cut-Open Tent: The tent had been cut open from the inside with a knife or similar object. Why did they exit the tent by cutting it open instead of using the entrance?
2. Inadequate Clothing in Extreme Cold: Despite temperatures estimated to be between -25 and -30 degrees Celsius (-13 to -22 degrees Fahrenheit), many of the victims were found in light clothing or barefoot. Why did they leave the tent without adequate protection from the cold?
3. Unexplained Injuries: Dubinina and Zolotaryov had extensive rib fractures, while Thibeaux-Brignolles had a skull fracture. However, there were no external signs of bruising associated with these injuries. Dubinina was also missing her tongue. How were these injuries sustained?
4. High Levels of Radiation: High levels of radiation were detected on some of the victims’ clothing. Where did this radiation come from?
5. Lack of Other Footprints: The search party only found footprints belonging to the nine victims. No evidence of any other individuals was found at the scene.
6. Orange Skin and Gray Hair: Some of the bodies were reported to have orange-tinged skin and gray hair at the time of discovery.
7. The Last Frame of Film: The last frame on a recovered camera contained an unidentifiable image that appears to show a glowing object.

4. Major Hypotheses: Avalanche, Military Involvement, UFOs, and Recent Findings

Numerous hypotheses have been proposed to explain this incident. Here are some of the most prominent:

• Avalanche Theory: One of the most widely accepted theories. It suggests that the tent was pitched on a slope prone to avalanches, and a small avalanche struck the tent at night, forcing the hikers to flee in panic. They sustained injuries from the avalanche and subsequently died of hypothermia.
• Katabatic Wind Theory: This theory proposes that a katabatic wind, a type of strong wind caused by specific terrain and weather conditions, led to extreme hypothermia and panic. The tent might have been threatened by the strong wind, and they went out to secure it, only to succumb to the wind and cold.
• Military Involvement Theory: Rumors suggested that the area was used as a testing ground for Soviet weapons. This theory posits that the military conducted a secret experiment that went wrong, and the victims were silenced to cover it up. The radiation found on the bodies and the unexplained injuries are cited as evidence for this theory.
• UFO Theory: Sightings of mysterious glowing objects in the area around the time of the incident have fueled speculation about UFO involvement. The condition of the victims’ bodies and the strange image on the recovered camera are used to support this theory.
• Attack by Indigenous People: The Mansi people, an indigenous group, live in the area near the incident. This theory suggests that they attacked the hikers for trespassing on their sacred land. However, the lack of evidence of any third party at the scene makes this theory unlikely.
• Infrasound Theory: This theory suggests that low-frequency sound waves, generated by events like volcanic eruptions or avalanches, can affect human psychology and physiology, causing panic. The hikers might have experienced hallucinations and terror due to infrasound, leading them to flee the tent in a confused state.

In addition to these theories, recent investigations have concluded that a small slab avalanche is the most likely explanation. It has also been suggested that the missing eyes and tongue were likely due to scavenging animals during the period before the bodies were discovered, and the radiation was caused by thorium in the mantles of gas lanterns used at the time.

However, these conclusions still leave some mysteries unexplained. For instance, the avalanche theory struggles to explain why the tent was cut open from the inside and why the bodies lacked external bruises. Similarly, the animal scavenging theory raises questions about the selective damage to only eyes and tongues.

5. A New Theory: The Combined Factors of Microburst and Small Avalanche

Despite numerous theories and recent findings, many mysteries remain unsolved. I propose a new theory that addresses these lingering questions: “The Microburst and Small Avalanche Combined Factors Theory.”

First, it is crucial to re-examine the evidence left at the scene without any preconceived notions. Many hypotheses tend to emphasize certain pieces of evidence while downplaying or ignoring others. This approach fails to capture the complete picture of the truth. I will strive to give equal weight to all evidence and deduce a single truth that can explain them without contradiction.

The injuries to the bodies and the condition of the tent are particularly noteworthy. The rib fractures of Dubinina and Zolotaryov, and the skull fracture of Thibeaux-Brignolles occurred without any external bruising. This suggests that an extremely strong, yet localized, pressure was applied to their bodies. Furthermore, the missing tongue of Dubinina cannot be overlooked. These injuries are difficult to explain with the conventional avalanche or animal attack theories.

I would like to focus on the keyword “localized high pressure.” I will then consider phenomena that could cause such pressure, based on the latest scientific knowledge. Recent studies have revealed the existence of “microbursts,” localized and powerful downdrafts that occur under specific terrain and weather conditions. This phenomenon is known to cause devastating damage within a very limited area.

Here is my hypothesis. On the night of the incident, a powerful microburst occurred by chance at the location where the Dyatlov group had set up camp. Although this downdraft was not strong enough to blow away the tent, it caused a rapid change in air pressure inside the tent. This pressure change was sufficient to exert intense internal pressure on the lungs and skeletons of the hikers, which could explain their rib and skull fractures.

Furthermore, microbursts are often accompanied by hail or sleet along with strong downdrafts. A sudden hailstorm could explain why they cut the tent open from the inside to escape. They may have felt that the tent was about to collapse or that they were in danger of suffocating, and therefore made an emergency exit. The hail or sleet could also explain Dubinina’s missing tongue. It’s possible her tongue was severed when she opened her mouth during the intense impact of the hailstorm.

The “Microburst Theory” can explain not only the injuries but also other unexplained aspects. For instance, the high levels of radiation detected on some of the victims’ clothing. It is possible that the microburst lifted natural radioactive materials present on the ground surface, such as thorium from lantern mantles or radon, which then adhered to their clothes. The orange skin and gray hair could be explained as physiological changes due to extreme stress and hypothermia.

Moreover, this “microburst” could have triggered the “small avalanche” suggested by recent findings. The powerful downdraft of the microburst could have caused a sudden change in the unstable snowpack around the tent, resulting in a small avalanche. In other words, the microburst and the small avalanche were not independent events but interacted with each other, leading to the tragedy.

The “Microburst and Small Avalanche Combined Factors Theory” does not need to rely on unrealistic elements like unidentified creatures or military conspiracies, unlike previous theories. It is the most realistic hypothesis, comprehensively considering the evidence at the scene, the latest meteorological knowledge, and the human psychological state under extreme conditions.

6. Conclusion: The Truth After 60 Years, and Lessons for the Future

Although numerous hypotheses have been proposed, the truth behind the Dyatlov Pass Incident has long remained shrouded in mystery. However, I believe that the “Microburst and Small Avalanche Combined Factors Theory” provides the most compelling explanation, shedding light on the full picture of the incident.

This incident reminds us that natural forces can interact in complex ways, causing unpredictable events. It also serves as a stark reminder that even with advancements in science, we cannot fully understand or control the threats posed by nature.

However, we can also find hope in the fact that by calmly observing facts, thinking logically, and deeply understanding human nature, we can always find a path to the truth, even in seemingly inexplicable mysteries.

I am confident that this new theory will be a significant step towards unraveling the truth of the Dyatlov Pass Incident. I sincerely hope that the lessons learned from this tragedy will contribute to safer mountaineering in the future and, ultimately, to a harmonious coexistence with nature.

7. Further Information: Books, Films, and Websites

For those interested in learning more about this incident, here are some recommended resources:

• Books:
  • Dead Mountain: The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident by Donnie Eichar
  • Mountain of the Dead: The Dyatlov Pass Incident by Keith McCloskey
• Films:
  • Devil’s Pass (Also known as “The Dyatlov Pass Incident”)
• Websites:
  • Dyatlov Pass incident – Wikipedia
  • dyatlovpass.com

8. Comments

Please share your opinions and insights on this article in the comments section!

※ This article is based on currently available information. It will be updated as new information becomes available.