Mechanisms of slab avalanche release and impact in the Dyatlov Pass incident in 1959

Provided a realistic wind deposition flux, our model shows that the conditions for avalanche release can be met after a delay of 7.5 to 13.5 h from the moment the hikers made the cut in the slope, in agreement with the forensic evaluation of the time of death

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Findings

• Provided a realistic wind deposition flux, our model shows that the conditions for avalanche release can be met after a delay of 7.5 to 13.5 h from the moment the hikers made the cut in the slope, in agreement with the forensic evaluation of the time of death
• Addresses this question by combining a novel numerical model with existing data for human-thorax injuries from impact tests performed by the automotive industry