The Dyatlov Pass Incident, occurring in February 1959 in the Ural Mountains of the Soviet Union, is one of the most perplexing mysteries of the 20th century. Nine experienced hikers—Igor Dyatlov, Yuri Doroshenko, Zinaida Kolmogorova, Alexander Kolevatov, Georgiy Krivonischenko, Rustem Slobodin, Nicolai Thibeaux-Brignolle, Semyon Zolotaryov, and Lyudmila Dubinina—died under mysterious circumstances on the slopes of Kholat Syakhl ("Dead Mountain"). The official Soviet investigation concluded that a “compelling natural force” caused their deaths, but the vague explanation, combined with unusual evidence, has spawned numerous theories ranging from scientific to conspiratorial and paranormal.
The Dyatlov group, mostly students or graduates of the Ural
Polytechnical Institute, embarked on a Category III ski expedition to
Otorten Mountain, starting January 25, 1959. On February 1, they camped
on Kholat Syakhl, likely due to worsening weather. That night, they cut
open their tent from the inside and fled without proper clothing,
leading to their deaths. Rescuers found the tent on February 26, with
footprints leading to a cedar tree 1.5 kilometers away, where Doroshenko
and Krivonischenko were found partially clothed near a fire. Dyatlov,
Kolmogorova, and Slobodin were found on the slope toward the tent, and
Kolevatov, Thibeaux-Brignolle, Zolotaryov, and Dubinina were found in a
ravine 75 meters from the cedar tree in May. Autopsies cited hypothermia
for most, with severe traumatic injuries in the ravine group. Key
evidence includes:
Tent and Footprints: Cut from the inside, with
belongings left behind, suggesting panic.
Cedar Tree Group:
Doroshenko and Krivonischenko showed burns, paradoxical undressing, and
tree-climbing signs.
Slope Group: Dyatlov, Kolmogorova, and Slobodin
died of hypothermia, with Slobodin’s minor skull fracture.
Ravine
Group: Thibeaux-Brignolle (skull fracture), Zolotaryov and Dubinina (rib
fractures), and Kolevatov (hypothermia) had severe injuries; Dubinina
lacked a tongue and eyes.
Radiation: Trace radiation on
Krivonischenko’s and Dubinina’s clothing.
Anomalies: Orange skin
tints, stopped watches, and reports of lights in the sky.
Below are
the major theories, evaluated for plausibility and evidence.
As a prologue to this section, we will include words of Yury Yudin. He was a participant of the journey to the Otortenm but he quit due to illness. Later he participated in a search for his friends. In his interviews, he repeatedly critiqued the official investigation. This is an exempt of his interview shortly before he passed away in 2013.
Yuri Yudin: I must admit that we guessed right away that the death of guys is a state secret. It was felt right away, we felt it by the behavior of the leaders in the regional party committee, by the interrogations in the prosecutor's office, the KGB ... The chief prosecutor of the investigation Lev Nikitich Ivanov, who led the criminal case, said to me. "Do not torment yourself and do not blame yourself, if you were with the guys, you would not help them. you would be the tenth ... " I did not have the slightest doubt that this man didn't try to find out what had happened to my friends, his investigation was formal and biased.
Dyatlov Pass Incident has been part of the Soviet folklore for decades. At the end of the Soviet period and after the collapse of the Soviet Union it emerged on the pages of all Soviet and later Russian newspapers. Newly acquired freedom of speech allowed people to speak whatever they thought and discuss whatever they felt like discussing. Unfortunately, with the demise of the Soviet censure, professional censure also left the building. Investigative journalism virtually disappeared. Instead, it was replaced by a low grade journalism that surrounded the Dyatlov Pass Incident with myths and lies. Fake articles went beyond creating "alternative" truths. They often added information that had no ground or proof. Many parts of the diary were twisted and reinvented. Even Wikipedia is still haunted by the remnants of these fake information. As we examine our main theories we will point out some of the misconceptions and lies that surround this case.
Soviet troops theory in Dyatlov Pass Incident
Description: The group stumbled upon or was affected by a secret
Soviet military test, such as a low-yield explosion, missile misfire, or
radiological experiment, causing panic and injuries. A cover-up followed
to conceal the incident.
Supporting Evidence:
Injuries: The
ravine group’s severe injuries (Thibeaux-Brignolle’s skull fracture,
Zolotaryov/Dubinina’s rib fractures) resemble blast or shockwave trauma,
with no external wounds, suggesting a high-energy force. Slobodin’s
skull fracture and Kolmogorova’s “baton-shaped” bruise could indicate
similar impacts.
Radiation: Trace radiation on Krivonischenko’s and
Dubinina’s clothing (the latter wearing Krivonischenko’s pants) suggests
exposure to radioactive materials, possibly from a test. Krivonischenko
and Kolevatov’s nuclear work at Chelyabinsk-40 could explain this, but
the context raises questions.
Ural Military Activity: The Ural
Mountains were a known testing ground for Soviet weapons, including
missiles and nuclear experiments, in the 1950s. The area was restricted
post-incident, fueling cover-up theories.
Anomalies: Orange skin
tints, reported lights in the sky (noted by Mansi tribesmen and search
teams), and the group’s erratic behavior align with chemical or
radiological exposure effects.
Yudin’s Testimony: Yuri Yudin, the
surviving member, speculated about military involvement, citing the
radiation and restricted access to the area.
Criticisms:
Lack
of Documentation: No declassified Soviet records confirm a test in the
area on February 1–2, 1959. The Cold War era’s secrecy makes this
plausible but unproven.
Radiation Levels: The radiation traces were
low and could be explained by Krivonischenko’s and Kolevatov’s nuclear
work or environmental contamination (e.g., the 1957 Kyshtym disaster
near Chelyabinsk-40).
Injury Specificity: The injuries, while severe,
lack shrapnel or burn patterns typical of explosions. The absence of
external wounds suggests a non-explosive force.
Behavior: A military
test doesn’t fully explain the group’s decision to flee without clothing
or their failure to regroup. Chemical exposure could cause
disorientation, but no residue was found.
Cover-Up Feasibility: A
cover-up would require silencing rescuers, investigators, and families,
a complex operation with no concrete evidence.
Plausibility:
Moderate. The military theory explains the injuries, radiation, and
anomalies like lights, leveraging the Urals’ strategic role. However,
the lack of direct evidence, low radiation levels, and logistical
challenges of a cover-up reduce its likelihood. It remains a compelling
alternative to natural explanations.
Western spies theory in Dyatlov Pass Incident
Criminals/ Former inmates theory in Dyatlov Pass Incident
Mansi, Knanty natives in Dyatlov Pass Incident
Description: The group was attacked by outsiders—local Mansi
tribesmen, escaped prisoners, or Soviet agents—leading to their
deaths. The injuries and tent evacuation were caused by a violent
confrontation or intimidation.
Supporting Evidence:
Injuries: The ravine group’s severe injuries (skull and rib
fractures) and Kolmogorova’s “baton-shaped” bruise could suggest
blunt force trauma from an attack. Slobodin’s knuckle bruises hint
at a struggle.
Missing Body Parts: Dubinina’s missing tongue and
eyes have been sensationalized as evidence of deliberate mutilation,
though decomposition is more likely.
Mansi Presence: The Mansi,
indigenous to the region, were initially suspected, as Kholat Syakhl
held spiritual significance. A Mansi hunting trail was nearby.
Soviet Context: The possibility of escaped prisoners or rogue agents
in the remote Urals adds plausibility, given the era’s political
repression.
Criticisms:
No Outsider Evidence: No
footprints, weapons, or signs of a struggle involving outsiders were
found. The tent’s internal cuts suggest the group fled voluntarily,
not under direct attack.
Mansi Cooperation: The Mansi assisted in
the search and were cleared by investigators, with no history of
hostility toward hikers.
Injury Patterns: The ravine injuries
lack stab wounds, bullet marks, or other attack signatures. The
absence of external wounds suggests a non-human force.
Behavior:
An attack doesn’t explain the group’s failure to retrieve clothing
or regroup, nor the radiation traces and other anomalies.
Logistical Challenges: Attackers would need to overpower nine fit
hikers in a remote area without leaving traces, an unlikely
scenario.
Plausibility: Low. The foul play theory appeals to the
injuries’ severity and historical context but is undermined by the
lack of physical evidence, the group’s behavior, and the Mansi’s
cooperation. Decomposition explains Dubinina’s condition, reducing
the need for violent explanations.
Avalanche in Dyatlov Pass Incident
Description: A slab avalanche, triggered by wind, snow accumulation,
or human activity, struck the tent, causing the group to cut it open and
flee in panic. Some died of hypothermia, while the ravine group
sustained injuries from falling or snow impact.
Supporting
Evidence:
2021 Study: A 2021 study in Nature Communications Earth &
Environment used computer modeling (inspired by Disney’s Frozen snow
simulations) to argue a small slab avalanche could have occurred on the
15–20-degree slope, driven by katabatic winds and snow buildup. The
model suggests a delayed avalanche, explaining the group’s calm setup.
2020 Russian Investigation: The Russian government’s 2019 reopening
concluded in 2020 that an avalanche was the most likely cause, citing
the slope’s conditions and the group’s inexperience with slab
avalanches.
Injuries: The ravine group’s severe injuries (skull and
rib fractures) are consistent with high-impact forces, like snow
crushing or a fall into the ravine. Slobodin’s skull fracture could
result from a similar impact.
Tent Damage: The cuts from inside
suggest a rapid escape, possibly from a collapsing tent under snow
weight.
Behavior: Fleeing without clothing aligns with panic, and
paradoxical undressing explains Doroshenko and Krivonischenko’s state.
Criticisms:
Slope Angle: The slope’s 15–20-degree incline is
below the typical 30–45 degrees for avalanches, though slab avalanches
can occur on gentler slopes under specific conditions (e.g., wind-loaded
snow).
Lack of Debris: No avalanche debris was reported in 1959,
though melting by late February could have obscured evidence. Rescuers
noted undisturbed snow around the tent.
Group Expertise: The hikers,
led by Dyatlov, were experienced and unlikely to camp in an
avalanche-prone area. Their tent was pitched correctly, suggesting
awareness of snow stability.
Injury Distribution: Kolevatov’s lack of
trauma in the ravine group is inconsistent with a uniform avalanche
impact. The precision of Thibeaux-Brignolle’s skull fracture and
Zolotaryov/Dubinina’s rib fractures suggests a more focused force.
Behavior Anomalies: The group’s failure to retrieve clothing or regroup
contradicts survival instincts, even in panic.
Plausibility:
Moderately high. The avalanche theory is the most scientifically
grounded, supported by modern modeling and official conclusions. It
explains the tent evacuation, hypothermia, and ravine injuries but
struggles with the slope’s angle, lack of debris, and the group’s
expertise. The radiation and missing body parts require separate
explanations (e.g., environmental or decomposition).
Secret launches/ UFO in Dyatlov Pass Incident
Description: The group encountered a supernatural force,
extraterrestrial activity, or a cryptid (e.g., Yeti), causing panic and
injuries. Reports of lights in the sky and Dubinina’s missing body parts
fuel this theory.
Supporting Evidence:
Lights in the Sky:
Mansi tribesmen and search teams reported orange lights or fireballs in
the area in February 1959, possibly linked to UFO activity or
unexplained phenomena.
Dubinina’s Condition: The missing tongue and
eyes, combined with severe injuries, have been sensationalized as
evidence of alien or cryptid intervention.
Anomalies: Orange skin
tints, radiation traces, and the group’s erratic behavior align with
speculative narratives of extraterrestrial or paranormal effects.
Cultural Context: Soviet-era secrecy and global UFO fascination in the
1950s lend credence to such theories in popular imagination.
Criticisms:
Lack of Evidence: No physical evidence (e.g., non-human
footprints, artifacts) supports paranormal or extraterrestrial
involvement. Lights in the sky are likely explained by military tests,
auroras, or weather phenomena.
Natural Explanations: Dubinina’s
missing body parts are attributed to decomposition or predation, as her
body was in a stream for months. Radiation traces link to
Krivonischenko’s and Kolevatov’s nuclear work.
Injury Patterns: The
injuries are consistent with physical trauma (e.g., falls, compression),
not supernatural causes. No burns or marks suggest energy-based
phenomena.
Scientific Rejection: Paranormal theories lack testable
hypotheses and are dismissed by researchers favoring natural or human
causes.
Plausibility: Very low. The paranormal/extraterrestrial
theory thrives in popular media but lacks credible evidence. Natural
explanations for lights, injuries, and anomalies are far more likely,
making this a speculative outlier.
Yeti, snowman, sasquatch and etc. in Dyatlov Pass Incident
Description: Infrasound, low-frequency sound waves below human
hearing (produced by wind interacting with the mountain’s topography),
caused disorientation and panic, prompting the group to cut open the
tent and flee irrationally. Injuries occurred during the escape.
Supporting Evidence:
Environmental Conditions: Kholat Syakhl’s
exposed slope and strong winds could generate infrasound, known to cause
unease, nausea, or panic in humans. Studies (e.g., NASA research on
infrasound) support its psychological effects.
Behavior: The group’s
inexplicable flight without clothing or organization aligns with
panic-induced irrationality. Infrasound could explain the tent’s
internal cuts and scattered escape.
Ravine Injuries: The ravine
group’s injuries could result from falls during a disoriented escape,
with Slobodin’s skull fracture and Kolmogorova’s bruise from similar
impacts.
No External Threat: The absence of outsider footprints or
attack evidence supports an internal trigger like infrasound.
Criticisms:
Injury Severity: Infrasound explains panic but not the
ravine group’s precise, high-impact injuries (e.g., Thibeaux-Brignolle’s
skull fracture), which require a physical force.
Group Resilience:
Experienced hikers like Dyatlov and Zolotaryov were trained to handle
stress and adverse conditions, making mass panic less likely, even under
infrasound influence.
Radiation and Anomalies: Infrasound doesn’t
account for radiation traces, orange skin tints, or Dubinina’s missing
body parts, requiring separate explanations (e.g., nuclear work,
decomposition).
Lack of Direct Evidence: No infrasound measurements
from 1959 exist, and its effects are speculative, based on modern
studies rather than specific data from Kholat Syakhl.
Plausibility:
Low to moderate. Infrasound offers a novel explanation for the group’s
irrational behavior, supported by environmental plausibility and
psychological research. However, it fails to account for the physical
injuries, radiation, and other anomalies, making it a partial theory at
best.
The Dyatlov Pass Incident likely resulted from a combination of
natural factors, with the avalanche theory currently holding the most
scientific support due to its ability to explain the tent evacuation,
hypothermia, and ravine injuries. The 2021 study’s modeling and the 2020
Russian conclusion bolster this, though the slope’s angle and lack of
debris remain contentious. The military involvement theory, while
speculative, accounts for the injuries’ precision, radiation, and
anomalies like lights, but lacks concrete evidence. Infrasound and
katabatic winds offer partial explanations for the group’s behavior but
struggle with the physical injuries. Hypothermia and paradoxical
undressing explain the cedar tree group’s condition but not the initial
trigger or ravine trauma. Foul play, animal attacks, paranormal, and
group conflict theories are largely unsupported, relying on
sensationalism or misinterpretations of evidence (e.g., Dubinina’s
tongue).
Most Plausible Scenario: A small slab avalanche,
triggered by wind or snow accumulation, struck the tent, causing panic
and a chaotic evacuation. The group fled to the cedar tree, where
Doroshenko and Krivonischenko died of hypothermia, exhibiting
paradoxical undressing and fire-related burns. Dyatlov, Kolmogorova, and
Slobodin attempted to return to the tent but succumbed to hypothermia,
with Slobodin’s skull fracture from a fall. The ravine group, seeking
shelter, fell into the ravine, sustaining severe injuries from the
impact or snow compression, except Kolevatov, who died of hypothermia.
Radiation traces stem from Krivonischenko’s and Kolevatov’s nuclear
work, and Dubinina’s missing body parts from decomposition in a stream.
Orange skin tints and lights may reflect post-mortem changes and weather
phenomena.
Remaining Questions: The slope’s suitability for an
avalanche, the radiation’s source, and the group’s failure to regroup
continue to challenge the avalanche theory. The military theory persists
due to the Urals’ strategic role, but evidence is circumstantial.
Ongoing forensic and environmental studies may clarify these points.
The Dyatlov Pass Incident has inspired books (e.g., Dead Mountain by Donnie Eichar), documentaries, podcasts, and the 2013 film Devil’s Pass. The Dyatlov Foundation preserves the hikers’ memory through archives, including diaries and photos. Advances in computer modeling, forensic science, and declassified records continue to refine theories, with the 2021 avalanche study marking a significant step. The 2019 Russian reopening, while favoring an avalanche, has not quelled alternative theories, reflecting the incident’s complexity. The Dyatlov Pass remains a memorial to the hikers, whose lives and unanswered deaths captivate the world.