Solved yet again - tent cut from inside.

[ahabmyth]

Ok so I have come up with a new theory which I hope may solve this mystery.

The group whilst going up the mountain suffers an injury whilst navigating the rocky substrate of the mountain (  muscular maybe ). This forces 1 or 2 of the group to help them (maybe more than one ). Two or three of the group go on ahead and erect the tent. The injured formation arrives but no way can the injured person struggle through the tiny opening of the tent. One of the hikers goes inside to get his knife (dont forget its pitch black and the other members want in ) so the hiker inside has no other choice than to cut the tent. They all go inside, unfortunately the wind helps later by adding to the force and rips the tent wide open and all of a sudden tiny rips become much longer. In the tent for a breather they then decide staying in the tent is untenable and decide to go down make a den. And the rest is history. The pic shows this rock strewn area that the group may have crossed to get to the campsite. I can imagine them having lots of slips with the upwards of 40kg on their backs heading into a 60-70klm/hr wind,  the rocks they would have had to traverse maybe only covered in a few inches of wet snow.Of course this theory would only stand up if we can find injuries of the group through the post mortem (which I dont think would take into account of muscular type injuries I dont know). https://ibb.co/4ZgZHB1q

[GlennM]

This hypothesis would be confirmed by autopsy findings. Are you going to explore this further? For me, unless there was a hiker with a splint or crutch in evidence, I exclude this as likely.

[ahabmyth]

As I pointed out the injury could have been muscular. The case for a crutch being found dosnt really stand up as it could have been discarded or broken up for firewood. I will be looking for injuries that could have been sustained by the hikers from the post mortem to try and find anything that could sustain this hypothesis.

[GlennM]

I support the idea that a sudden snow slide,was motivation for the leaving of the tent. I account for the different levels of undress as signifying that the group did not expect to be away from the tent for long. This means they would return when it was reasonable that there would be no further calamity.. i can support the arguement that in the dark there was slip fall injuries over icy rocks. If that was the case,  then it would be logical and practical to move the injured downhill and to the shelter of a tree or ravine. It would be much harder to go back uphill if carrying injured and facing a headnwind. I would opt for the ravine first because the windbreak would be more immediate. Then, foraging for wood could commence. It would not be particularly disloyal to have a fire at the cedar while those in the ravine had none. If warming up helped dry wet clothes and warmed numbed hands, why not?

I think that Igor's attempt to regain the tent for supplies was logical and heroic, but they all died miserably in the cold, as their coprses attest.

[SURI]

That's right, they didn't expect to be away from the tent for long. They found this out only on the slope.

And if I go even further, Zolotaryov could not have been among the first to be injured if he was taking photos in the forest and actually the whole way. He knew exactly what he needed the camera for. And the argument that he didn't have a camera, but only a case, is nonsense. Even the partially damaged negatives suggest something else, that the camera was in the water with the bodies and did not make it to the morgue just because they were eager to know what it contained.

[Ziljoe]

That's right, they didn't expect to be away from the tent for long. They found this out only on the slope.

And if I go even further, Zolotaryov could not have been among the first to be injured if he was taking photos in the forest and actually the whole way. He knew exactly what he needed the camera for. And the argument that he didn't have a camera, but only a case, is nonsense. Even the partially damaged negatives suggest something else, that the camera was in the water with the bodies and did not make it to the morgue just because they were eager to know what it contained.

Thank Suri, could you post the link to where zolotaryov had a camera around his neck in the case files?

[SURI]

https://dyatlovpass.com/camera-zolotaryov

[Ziljoe]

https://dyatlovpass.com/camera-zolotaryov

Thank Suri.

I have read this article but it's just speculation as far as I understand, from a lone author . I don't think there any statements about zolotaryov being found with a camera . ( Obviously this doesn't mean he wasn't) .

I only ask because I know of the rumour that he had a camera, but I think it's just speculation because of the photo which looks like a camera case.

The figure has evidently been removed from the ravine and there were many people who witnessed the bodies being taken out of the ravine but I don't think anyone reported this , not so insignificant evidence. ?

[SURI]

Some believe it's a camera, others think it's just a case. For example, Valentin Yakimenko has no doubts that Zolotaryov had a camera and was taking pictures with it on that fateful night. I agree with his opinion about the camera.

If Zolotaryov had only a case without a camera, it would have been mentioned even during the autopsy, because it would have remained on his body like a compass or like two watches at Tibo's.

But since the case was not recorded at all during the autopsy, even though it is visible in the photo, it is more than likely that the case also contained a camera, which of course was immediately confiscated and thus did not make it to the morgue, because they were eager to know what it contained.

Also, partially damaged negatives indicate that the camera was in the water with the bodies.

[SURI]

I believe Zolotaryov's camera during the incident, but I also believe Krivonischenko's last photo. And if I put all these things together, a picture emerges of the whole event that is completely different from just an avalanche.

[OLD JEDI 72]

Hi all,

Interesting idea, ahabmyth. A fresh angle is always welcome, but it may be worth stepping back and asking whether we are adding extra layers that the evidence does not really demand.

What the record already tells us:
Tent damage – multiple investigators, including Lev Ivanov, agreed the cuts originated from inside. That squares neatly with a rapid-exit scenario, whether triggered by snow loading, wind pressure, or a shallow slab letting go above the tent.

Documented injuries – the autopsies note bruises and abrasions consistent with slips on hard snow and ice; they do not flag deep muscle tears or major sprains. Absent radiology, a minor strain is possible, but we would expect at least one of nine diaries to mention a hobbling teammate. None do.

Sequence of events – the mixture of undress and the orderly footprints down-slope already imply the group thought they would be right back, so a single urgent trigger (slab, sudden sagging roof, booming wind) is enough to explain the knife, the cuts, and the fast evacuation.

Why more moving parts can muddy the water
Every extra “must-have-happened” step—someone badly injured on approach, knife search in total darkness, widening of cuts by wind, collective decision to shelter downhill—adds uncertainty without solving any clear contradiction in the evidence. Occam’s razor is our friend here; the slab-plus-panic model handles the same facts with fewer assumptions.

A quick word on red herrings
We have all seen the yeti, UFO, and secret-weapon narratives. They draw clicks, but each one shifts focus away from the small, mundane details that actually are in the case files. If the goal is clarity, trimming away the sensational helps the core puzzle stand out.

Friendly suggestion
Maybe keep digging into the autopsy tables first; if you can tie a specific soft-tissue injury to one hiker and show how it cascades into the tent cuts, you will have something solid. Until then, the simpler slab-and-panic route still explains the evidence with fewer leaps.

Cheers, and thanks for keeping the discussion civil.

[Ziljoe]

Hi all,

Interesting idea, ahabmyth. A fresh angle is always welcome, but it may be worth stepping back and asking whether we are adding extra layers that the evidence does not really demand.

What the record already tells us:
Tent damage – multiple investigators, including Lev Ivanov, agreed the cuts originated from inside. That squares neatly with a rapid-exit scenario, whether triggered by snow loading, wind pressure, or a shallow slab letting go above the tent.

Documented injuries – the autopsies note bruises and abrasions consistent with slips on hard snow and ice; they do not flag deep muscle tears or major sprains. Absent radiology, a minor strain is possible, but we would expect at least one of nine diaries to mention a hobbling teammate. None do.

Sequence of events – the mixture of undress and the orderly footprints down-slope already imply the group thought they would be right back, so a single urgent trigger (slab, sudden sagging roof, booming wind) is enough to explain the knife, the cuts, and the fast evacuation.

Why more moving parts can muddy the water
Every extra “must-have-happened” step—someone badly injured on approach, knife search in total darkness, widening of cuts by wind, collective decision to shelter downhill—adds uncertainty without solving any clear contradiction in the evidence. Occam’s razor is our friend here; the slab-plus-panic model handles the same facts with fewer assumptions.

A quick word on red herrings
We have all seen the yeti, UFO, and secret-weapon narratives. They draw clicks, but each one shifts focus away from the small, mundane details that actually are in the case files. If the goal is clarity, trimming away the sensational helps the core puzzle stand out.

Friendly suggestion
Maybe keep digging into the autopsy tables first; if you can tie a specific soft-tissue injury to one hiker and show how it cascades into the tent cuts, you will have something solid. Until then, the simpler slab-and-panic route still explains the evidence with fewer leaps.

Cheers, and thanks for keeping the discussion civil.

Interestingly

[OLD JEDI 72]

Yes can admit the theory of adding extra layers to the obvious explanations to what actually happened is dangerous, but until we find eye-witnesses to the event we are left with assumptions which is what this page /group is all about. I will endevour to research any injuries that may have happened to the group that could explain a crutch or stretcher being used.
People are still of the opinion that a slab slide or avalanche could have occurred when it has been proven to be highly illogical, less than 30deg slope, tent not inundated with snow, no flattened bushes, no buildup of snow anywhere. This I think is layer number one.

I see no-one has commented of another post of mine "The Cedars " which also could be a reason for "fleeing" the tent.
 Yep go on have a laugh, but you or your great or great great grandchildren will know of this and will be frightened of sleep for years.

The thing about a slab that tends to get overlooked is that drifting snow could make the slab itself over 30 degrees. And they cut into the side of it, essentially weakening everything behind the tent to piling snow. I find it difficult to believe people with crush injuries could walk a mile even with help.

[OLD JEDI 72]

Here's a visual I did.

[OLD JEDI 72]

That's definitely not 33 degrees but you get the point lol.

[ahabmyth]

The tent wasnt cut from any side, it "ripped" because it was ROTTEN. I will post pics in a second to show the tension lines and the flaps of the tent "cut" lines to show how they match up. I think in particular that Igors oven had something to do with it as the heat on the fabric must have been horrific and with hot and cold weather taking its toll practically unseen until it tears. Nothing will stop a tree that size from flattening a tent.    As you can see tensioners can be used and I dont know if Dyatlov had or used them. Dyatlov had complained many times about the tent being old but it was repaired and still used. This trek could have been the straw that broke the camels back. So there we have it no knife wielding maniac or compulsive overbearing force just a rotten tent. This is why there was a decision to abandoning it in the atrocious weather and hoping when the storm has past to go back and salvage what they can.The tent was still where Teddy said it was under the Cyprus .
There is another explanation that is gathering substance , and that it was Zolo and Rustem the only ones with knives that were outside relieving themselves and hearing all the commotion rushed back inside and slashed the tent so everyone could get out before the tree came crashing down.

Thought all tent hikers. If tensioners are used on tents ,if they are over tightened would you consider it likely that the material could rip in that direction of most tightness.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Ziljoe]

The tent wasnt cut from any side, it "ripped" because it was ROTTEN. I will post pics in a second to show the tension lines and the flaps of the tent "cut" lines to show how they match up. I think in particular that Igors oven had something to do with it as the heat on the fabric must have been horrific and with hot and cold weather taking its toll practically unseen until it tears.      As you can see tensioners can be used and I dont know if Dyatlov had or used them. Dyatlov had complained many times about the tent being old but it was repaired and still used. This trek could have been the straw that broke the camels back. So there we have it no knife wielding maniac or compulsive overbearing force just a rotten tent. This is why there was a decision to abandoning it in the atrocious weather and hoping when the storm has past to go back and salvage what they can.--------------------------------Host Error-----------Time out on saving.

Interesting proposal and certainly has some merit , a couple of observations though. The forensic investigation concluded that three of the tears, rips or cuts were done from the inside . They concluded this because the cuts had scrapes on the tent dye on the fabric before the penatration of the cut . This was found on the inner surface of the canvas and some had several attempts before the alleged tool penatrated the material . We also have the problem that the were definitely cuts and not rips or tears because the cut went diagonally through the weave.

Through some of the arguments about wind damage and the reason to leave the tent it still leaves the question of not taking more equipment.

However , I wouldn't disagree that some damage could have been done over three weeks as the tent was left on a wind blown slope for three weeks. 

[ahabmyth]

Ok so the overwhelming force is inside the tent, and just where. Is it floating back and forth near the apex, or on the floor wafting back and forth or right in the middle. Did it hurt them or were the injuries of their own making by running around ripping open the tent and jumping out in shock not thinking to wait and see if it went or just outright saying they are not going back in the tent in case it comes back.
Now in our case it appeared, I think just before dawn, it just hung there until I had checked it out rubbed my eyes another checkout and I am out of it. Obviously it did me no harm, and (maybe a few days later) with my wife, on more than one occasion just frightened hell out of her. But didnt do any physical harm.
Maybe just maybe if the group had been able to wait and check through a rip they made ,they could have got back inside, repair the tent and try to get back to sleep.If only.                                                 Blue pajamas seem very popular at the time.[/b]
  free picture upload website

[Ziljoe]

Interesting proposal and certainly has some merit , a couple of observations though. The forensic investigation concluded that three of the tears, rips or cuts were done from the inside . They concluded this because the cuts had scrapes on the tent dye on the fabric before the penatration of the cut . This was found on the inner surface of the canvas and some had several attempts before the alleged tool penatrated the material . We also have the problem that the were definitely cuts and not rips or tears because the cut went diagonally through the weave.
Through some of the arguments about wind damage and the reason to leave the tent it still leaves the question of not taking more equipment.
However , I wouldn't disagree that some damage could have been done over three weeks as the tent was left on a wind blown slope for three weeks. 

Yes I read all of this cutting through the weave and diagonally . I don't know how they would have had an electron microscope to look at dye on each weave thread in 1959 though. The stove would have taken all the dye out long ago, this was a very old weather beaten tent that Igor wanted replacing years before. Either way cutting from inside or outside  with this group don't sound plausible to me we all know you can have a bad day but this was ridiculous.

It's what the report says.

"In order to determine from which side the indicated cuts were made (from the inner one - from the tent or from the outside), a thorough microscopic examination of the edges of the cuts of the adjacent tissue sections was made / zoom level from 0.6 to 56X / ."

It goes on about the scratches and dye.

https://dyatlovpass.com/case-files-303-304

"As a result of the conducted studies it was found that from the inside of the tent in the areas of the cuts close to the edges there are surface damages of the fabric in the form of minor punctures, incisions of the fabric threads and very thin scratches. /see photo № 5-13 /.

- 4 -

All scratches and punctures are rectilinear. Scratches are observed in the surface damage of the filaments: the filaments are either cut in half / see photo № 10 /, or with them the dye is simply scratched off and not the colored parts are visible / see photo № 5, 6, 11 /.

At the corners of the punctures, on the inside of the tent / unlike the outer tent, there are, as it were, continuations of damage, which are expressed in the form of thin scratches. /see photo № 8, 9 /.

The nature and shape of all these injuries indicate that they were formed from the contact of the fabric of the inner side of the tent with the blade of some weapon /knife/.

All of the above indicates that the existing incisions are made from the inside, from the tent.

CONCLUSION

In the camping tent of Dyatlov group on the right slant of the canopy forming the roof, three damages of approximately 32, 89, and 42 cm in length /conditionally numbered 1, 2, 3 / are made with some sharp weapon /knife/ i.e. are cuts.

All these cuts are done on the inside of the tent.

Seal

Expert

SR. RESEARCH ASSOCIATE Churkina - signature /CHURKINA"

[GlennM]

Although the photographic evidence does not exist, the official report indicates that three substantial cuts were made on the right hand wall of the tent from the inside. Since the tent was said to have a modesty partition, i can believe either side was knifed so the people on either side could get out quickly. I do not recall any mention of the interior partition when the tent was found though. The fact that it was cut on one side only suggests that cutting it on the left side would make things worse. For me, that suggests the left side was under snow as opposed to the right side.

If the tent was actually hit by a tree in the forest, I would expect punctures, rips, wood debris and blood on tent surfaces.

[sarapuk]

Highly unlikely. They were experienced campers. They would not have cut the tent unless they were forced to do so and maybe feared that their lives depended on escaping from the tent.

[GlennM]

Therefore, no attack force is going to do the hikers a favor by going inside the tent and cutting exits for the occupants in advance of the murder and mayhem that followed.

That said, a Flemish ( pointed tip) knife must surely have been necessary to make the inside cuts. They, the hikers, had one or more.

Breathing, bleeding, broken bones, burns  are the 4 B's of medical emergency. Breathing is why the tent was cut. A wind driven slab slip on the tent seems sufficient reason.

[ahabmyth]

Apart from my own theory which does venture into the paranormal and no one is game to believe (to your detriment ). The only other theory I can say as predominant is Suris idea of suffocation. I put it forward that although dismissed by officials (as part of the coverup) that the group did in fact light a fire in the stove.People have mentioned and I can agree to a certain extent never the less, that it can get quite warm through just body heat, was this enough to sustain them, I surmise not. We know (think) they had a log with them (maybe more) and maybe this could have been enough. A simple idea gone wrong that a bolt securing the pipe would be enough when a nut was lost and the shaking of the tent was enough to push the bolt out, the pipes deadly presence seeped gently over the sleeping hikers.
As has been postulated the group or maybe just one of them, waking up coughing and spluttering alerts the rest who scrambled screaming for the exit ,unable to get out  (although the exit was probably left open-was it ) resorted to slashing the tent, two people having access to knives. After probably vomiting and waning headaches they composed themselves and weighed up the consequences and their choices. Slowly walking  1.5klm in the dark and biting cold the hikers and sustaining some agonising injuries show their athletic prowess by all of them making it to the treeline.
Realising their mistake in not remembering supplies the heroic three volunteer for a probable suicide 4hr trek to bring some back.
The two Yuris climbing the tree hacking and cutting (with a pen-knife) as much wood as possible and after what seems a lifetime eventually straining their eyes waiting for the sight of the three on their return. The other four seem to be taking a long time.
Dont need to write anymore suffice to say none of the above would make any sense with out remembering the stove still swinging in the breeze. Not wanting the humiliation of such a tragedy happening on their watch officials hatched a simple explanation  and the stove is taken down cleaned and put back in its box.

NB I acknowledge that a log brought with the group was supposedly found "outside" the tent, but just maybe there was more, as in kindling as well. I think it is standard practice that some firewood is brought along with any hike.

[Hunter]

GlennM, палатка, вероятно, была разрезана ножом Кривонищенко, клинок которого имел острие, напоминающее "Боуи" или острие копья.

sarapuk, они не были сильно опытными туристами. И в туристической практике были случаи разрезания палатки. Или готовности ее разрезать.

[amashilu]

Hunter,

The language for this forum is English. Please post in English.

Meanwhile, here is a rough translation of your remarks:

GlennM, the tent was probably cut by Krivonishchenko's knife, whose blade had a tip resembling "Bowie" or the tip of a spear.

Sarapuk, they were not very experienced tourists. And in tourist practice there were cases of cutting a tent. Or ready to cut it.

[Hunter]

amashilu, then I can only communicate through Google Translate.

In short, the tent was cut with Krivonischenko's knife, not Kolevatov's. The probability of such an event is higher. The tip of Krivonischenko's knife was lowered to the middle line of the blade and resembled either the tip of a "bowie" or a spear (like on Ray Mears' Bushcraft knife, for example).

[amashilu]

amashilu, then I can only communicate through Google Translate.

Thank you.

[GlennM]

Have you thought how they were positioned when all this happened at the tent? They could be sitting up. They could have all. except anyone outside been lying down, heads toward the peak of 1079, or perhaps resting the other direction with heads toward the forest and Cedar. The base was levelled and skis below them. Because of the food remnants, I am not so sure they went to bed, but they were likely in the process given their states of undress. They are not going to take much off in an unheated tent in the dead of winter. If we are to believe they cut their way out, then it may matter.

I can not imagine people being crushed by snow, or a tree for that matter, laying on their backs and trying to pass a knife down the line to cut the tent. I would think one person would rip the canvas and the others wiggle out through the single cut.

[ahabmyth]

Have you thought how they were positioned when all this happened at the tent? They could be sitting up. They could have all. except anyone outside been lying down, heads toward the peak of 1079, or perhaps resting the other direction with heads toward the forest and Cedar. The base was levelled and skis below them. Because of the food remnants, I am not so sure they went to bed, but they were likely in the process given their states of undress. They are not going to take much off in an unheated tent in the dead of winter. If we are to believe they cut their way out, then it may matter.

I can not imagine people being crushed by snow, or a tree for that matter, laying on their backs and trying to pass a knife down the line to cut the tent. I would think one person would rip the canvas and the others wiggle out through the single cut.

The girls had a privacy curtain so they must have been together and more than likely at the entrance .  You cant stand up in the tent so laying down on their clothes or rucksacks was the order of the night. And am fairly sure there was an orientation for heads and feet I think. There is a diagram somewhere I'm sure ,and why, just something to do with boots no no no no they left their shoes/boots outside didnt they. If in fear of their lives they probably wouldnt bother with footwear. Just in case of a landslip they face with their feet to the highest spot and adding to this I think the tents are usually placed at a narrow angle for some reason.
 

[Hunter]

Judging by the clothes that were left in the tent, what the tourists were wearing, and also what was found in the tent - lard that had not been removed, a flask of cocoa, the guys were changing clothes and getting ready for dinner.