It seems our brains are hard wired to prefer middle-of-the-road complexity over simplicity. Simple solutions are not as challenging or stimulating as more complicated ones. Perhaps the DPI is a good example. Here's one possible, albeit simple, scenario: The hikers dig a large trench on the mountain slope to pitch the tent. Later, the two guys standing outside believe they hear the snow surface above cracking, perhaps as the result of digging the trench. The two walk to where they think they heard the cracking sound and see where a slab of snow is starting to slide. In the strong wind and snow, they hurry back to the tent and shout for the others to get out of the tent immediately. There's an urgent warning in the sound of their shouts. The nine hikers begin the perilous walk down to the forest, where they can find protection. Slobodin falls and injures his skull, gets up and soon suffers another injury to his head when he falls again. He takes a few more steps and collapses. He is the first to die. When the others reach the trees, the two Yuris have started to shiver. A fire is built for them, but doesn't save them. After a brief discussion, Igor and Zina set out for the tent with the intention of collecting coats and shoes for themselves and the others. But the weather conditions are too brutal and they really never had a chance. In the meantime, the other four decide to scoop out a snow den. But part of it sits over a small stream that has weakened the snow. That part of the den collapses throwing the four onto rocks in the ravine below. Kolevatov is the only one not seriously injured and attempts with what strength he has left to pull the others to safety. But, he too can't survive the extreme cold.
Is this overly simplistic? Probably so; it certainly leaves questions unanswered. But what if the solution is something as simple as this. Maybe there's a part of us that says that's not possible. It's far too simple. The question arises: Are we making this case more complicated than it is? Wonder if there was no infrasound, exploding missiles, ball lightning, murder, execution, a smoke-filled tent, Yetis, UFOs and so forth. In my opinion, the chances of any of those happening are less likely than a simpler scenario. Not fascinating or intriguing at all, but maybe closer to the truth of what really happened.