Wood Expedition Theory

[ZuriDog]

An early camp

The group would have set up camp between 14:00 and 16:00 on the slope of Kholat Syakhl on the 1st of February 1959. Photographs taken by the group that day show strong winds and poor visibility, the group was slightly off-course, this theory suggests the group decided to setup an early camp, perhaps with the intention of correcting their course the following day.

Maps of the campsite locations also show the group had covered less distance than on previous days — partially due to the increasing steepness of the ground and poor weather, but also due to the decision to set up an early camp.
Wood gathering mission

The scarcity of wood was mentioned in the group diaries, stating that what could be found on the ground was too damp to be of use. Though some firewood was found by researchers in the tent, the exact quantity is not mentioned, though it is mentioned that the wood would have been carried by the hikers from their previous camp — thus emphasizing its scarcity.

This theory proposes Zolotarev and Tibo either were selected or volunteered to search the nearby woods for suitable firewood for the cold night ahead. With perhaps an hour of remaining daylight and the nearby woods being too much of a good opportunity.

Some theories acknowledge both Zolotarev and Tibo were outside at the time of the tragedy, on account of their being suitably dressed for outside conditions, with most suggesting the duo had either stepped out to go to toilet or were perhaps on night duty. However, spending several hours outside on night duty, in sub-zero temperatures in a remote area far from civilization seems a most unlikely possibility. A toilet outing is equally unlikely — the tent entrance had been buttoned up, a task that is time consuming and arduous in sub-zero temperatures, it is highly unlikely they would have unbuttoned the entrance, buttoned it all up again, then return to repeat the process just a couple of minutes later. Zolotarev had his camera around his neck and a notebook in his pocket, this suggest neither a quick exit nor being aroused from sleep in an emergency. Rather this suggests the duo had stepped out with a purpose, most likely with some remaining daylight, and intended to be away for a significant period of time.

Remnants of a meal were also found in the tent, after setting up camp and a quick meal, the duo set off to the nearby woods.

The cedar

It was at the cedar tree that tragedy first struck. Tibo’s injury to his head would have left him unresponsive but showing signs of life for up to two hours, as per autopsy report. It is also noteworthy that Tibo showed none of the other types of superficial injuries common with the rest of the group . i.e. scrapes and minor bruises to hands — as he did not participate in the events that followed. This theory suggests Tibo climbed the cedar in search of dry branches, fell and suffered his head injury.

A call for help

Zolotarev returned to the tent, calling for help. Some slashes found on the tent are suggestive of someone having made them in order to peek outside, as the hikers might have done upon hearing shouts. Once the hikers understood that there was an emergency, they slashed the tent and rushed out to help. The hikers had not all yet begun to prepare for the night and were thus at different levels of undress. Doroshenko, who already had a reputation of confronting danger head on, rushed out severely underdressed for the conditions. Others, like Kolevatov, threw on some additional layers, but all ran out without shoes. The hikers may have underestimated how cold it was (the previous day’s diary entry reported warm wind) and how long they would be gone. As it was already getting dark a torch was left in the ON position on top of the tent, some hikers took torches with them.

The few remaining footprints show an orderly exit from the tent. The 1959 reports describe 8–9 sets of tracks with no limping or carrying, contradicting immediate severe injuries (e.g., rib fractures, skull fracture) from snow impact.

Group Dynamics and Outcome

At the cedar tree, the group found Tibo critically injured. The group prioritized Tibo’s rescue, splitting tasks: better-dressed members (Den group: Zolotarev, Dubinina, Kolevatov) began a snow shelter in a nearby ravine, while underdressed members (Cedar group: Dyatlov, Doroshenko, others) focused on looking after Tibo, fire-building and gathering wood for the construction of the shelter. Cedar group’s abrasions, per autopsies, suggest cedar tree climbing for wood.

Cedar group succumbed to hypothermia amid worsening weather. Den group, attempting to transport Tibo to the ravine shelter, fell 3 meters on a steep, snowy slope, causing fatal injuries to Zolotarev and Dubinina (crushed ribs, internal trauma). Kolevatov, the last survivor, shared body heat with Zolotarev until dying of hypothermia.

Analysis of Injuries
Autopsy Findings

Cedar group showed minor injuries: Dyatlov’s bruised knuckles, hand cut, and ankle marks (suggesting restraint); Doroshenko’s bloody lip and chest bruising; and left-side facial injuries on others, consistent with right-handed blows. These minor injuries suggest a possible physical altercation, per forensic literature.

Alternative Explanations

The minor injuries could stem from climbing the cedar tree (abrasions) or falls on ice, but the pattern of knuckle bruising, bloody lips, and facial trauma suggests a possible interpersonal conflict. Tree-climbing typically causes diffuse abrasions, not localized knuckle or lip injuries, and ice falls lack the specificity of right-handed blow patterns. The absence of non-hiker footprints (1959 reports) rules out external attackers, indicating any conflict was internal, confined to Cedar group.

Potential Conflict Triggers

If a conflict occurred, extreme stress may have triggered it. Yuri Krivonishenko’s early death from hypothermia, as autopsies suggest, could have sparked grief and panic. Psychological studies show that extreme cold, grief, and perceived poor planning (e.g., camping on the slope) can provoke aggression. The absence of knives (2024 expedition reports), despite cut branches, suggests they were discarded during this event.

Anomalies

Low-level radiation on Krivonishenko’s clothing align with his involvement in a clean up operation a couple of years prior.

Dubinina’s missing tongue is consistent with wildlife scavenging or accelerated decay due to her being found in a stream of water. Perhaps she bit off her own tongue in the fall that killed her.

Fireball reports likely reflect distant military tests unrelated to the tragedy.

[OLD JEDI 72]

An early camp

The group would have set up camp between 14:00 and 16:00 on the slope of Kholat Syakhl on the 1st of February 1959. Photographs taken by the group that day show strong winds and poor visibility, the group was slightly off-course, this theory suggests the group decided to setup an early camp, perhaps with the intention of correcting their course the following day.

Maps of the campsite locations also show the group had covered less distance than on previous days — partially due to the increasing steepness of the ground and poor weather, but also due to the decision to set up an early camp.
Wood gathering mission

The scarcity of wood was mentioned in the group diaries, stating that what could be found on the ground was too damp to be of use. Though some firewood was found by researchers in the tent, the exact quantity is not mentioned, though it is mentioned that the wood would have been carried by the hikers from their previous camp — thus emphasizing its scarcity.

This theory proposes Zolotarev and Tibo either were selected or volunteered to search the nearby woods for suitable firewood for the cold night ahead. With perhaps an hour of remaining daylight and the nearby woods being too much of a good opportunity.

Some theories acknowledge both Zolotarev and Tibo were outside at the time of the tragedy, on account of their being suitably dressed for outside conditions, with most suggesting the duo had either stepped out to go to toilet or were perhaps on night duty. However, spending several hours outside on night duty, in sub-zero temperatures in a remote area far from civilization seems a most unlikely possibility. A toilet outing is equally unlikely — the tent entrance had been buttoned up, a task that is time consuming and arduous in sub-zero temperatures, it is highly unlikely they would have unbuttoned the entrance, buttoned it all up again, then return to repeat the process just a couple of minutes later. Zolotarev had his camera around his neck and a notebook in his pocket, this suggest neither a quick exit nor being aroused from sleep in an emergency. Rather this suggests the duo had stepped out with a purpose, most likely with some remaining daylight, and intended to be away for a significant period of time.

Remnants of a meal were also found in the tent, after setting up camp and a quick meal, the duo set off to the nearby woods.

The cedar

It was at the cedar tree that tragedy first struck. Tibo’s injury to his head would have left him unresponsive but showing signs of life for up to two hours, as per autopsy report. It is also noteworthy that Tibo showed none of the other types of superficial injuries common with the rest of the group . i.e. scrapes and minor bruises to hands — as he did not participate in the events that followed. This theory suggests Tibo climbed the cedar in search of dry branches, fell and suffered his head injury.

A call for help

Zolotarev returned to the tent, calling for help. Some slashes found on the tent are suggestive of someone having made them in order to peek outside, as the hikers might have done upon hearing shouts. Once the hikers understood that there was an emergency, they slashed the tent and rushed out to help. The hikers had not all yet begun to prepare for the night and were thus at different levels of undress. Doroshenko, who already had a reputation of confronting danger head on, rushed out severely underdressed for the conditions. Others, like Kolevatov, threw on some additional layers, but all ran out without shoes. The hikers may have underestimated how cold it was (the previous day’s diary entry reported warm wind) and how long they would be gone. As it was already getting dark a torch was left in the ON position on top of the tent, some hikers took torches with them.

The few remaining footprints show an orderly exit from the tent. The 1959 reports describe 8–9 sets of tracks with no limping or carrying, contradicting immediate severe injuries (e.g., rib fractures, skull fracture) from snow impact.

Group Dynamics and Outcome

At the cedar tree, the group found Tibo critically injured. The group prioritized Tibo’s rescue, splitting tasks: better-dressed members (Den group: Zolotarev, Dubinina, Kolevatov) began a snow shelter in a nearby ravine, while underdressed members (Cedar group: Dyatlov, Doroshenko, others) focused on looking after Tibo, fire-building and gathering wood for the construction of the shelter. Cedar group’s abrasions, per autopsies, suggest cedar tree climbing for wood.

Cedar group succumbed to hypothermia amid worsening weather. Den group, attempting to transport Tibo to the ravine shelter, fell 3 meters on a steep, snowy slope, causing fatal injuries to Zolotarev and Dubinina (crushed ribs, internal trauma). Kolevatov, the last survivor, shared body heat with Zolotarev until dying of hypothermia.

Analysis of Injuries
Autopsy Findings

Cedar group showed minor injuries: Dyatlov’s bruised knuckles, hand cut, and ankle marks (suggesting restraint); Doroshenko’s bloody lip and chest bruising; and left-side facial injuries on others, consistent with right-handed blows. These minor injuries suggest a possible physical altercation, per forensic literature.

Alternative Explanations

The minor injuries could stem from climbing the cedar tree (abrasions) or falls on ice, but the pattern of knuckle bruising, bloody lips, and facial trauma suggests a possible interpersonal conflict. Tree-climbing typically causes diffuse abrasions, not localized knuckle or lip injuries, and ice falls lack the specificity of right-handed blow patterns. The absence of non-hiker footprints (1959 reports) rules out external attackers, indicating any conflict was internal, confined to Cedar group.

Potential Conflict Triggers

If a conflict occurred, extreme stress may have triggered it. Yuri Krivonishenko’s early death from hypothermia, as autopsies suggest, could have sparked grief and panic. Psychological studies show that extreme cold, grief, and perceived poor planning (e.g., camping on the slope) can provoke aggression. The absence of knives (2024 expedition reports), despite cut branches, suggests they were discarded during this event.

Anomalies

Low-level radiation on Krivonishenko’s clothing align with his involvement in a clean up operation a couple of years prior.

Dubinina’s missing tongue is consistent with wildlife scavenging or accelerated decay due to her being found in a stream of water. Perhaps she bit off her own tongue in the fall that killed her.

Fireball reports likely reflect distant military tests unrelated to the tragedy.

Really appreciate this write-up because you didn’t bury it under a hundred layers of speculation. It’s refreshing to see someone lay out a chain of events without immediately defaulting to KGB ghosts or UFOs. I agree with you that the internal conflict angle makes more sense than most people want to admit. Like you pointed out, the injuries and the priorities at the cedar are more human than conspiratorial.

One part I keep circling back to is the orderly footprints. If Zolo had rushed back calling for help, and everyone tore out in a panic, you’d expect a real mess of tracks, maybe some dragging or clustering. Instead, those first prints show a calm single file. And why would he leave Tibo? Also, that last clear shoed footprint at the tent edge suggests someone stepped out deliberately, probably to see what the shouting was about. It doesn’t feel like everyone rushed out together in a blind sprint.

I’ve made similar arguments about the group dynamics before; there was already tension about camping on that slope. Zolo was older, sure, but not ancient; he was a fit, resourceful guy trying to finish a certification, not some KGB phantom. If anything, I’d trust him over Igor to keep a level head. Ivanov gets a bad rap too. People call him a sensationalist, but he never tried to cash in (until the 90's) or spin a big western drama; he was just trying to do his job with the info he had.

Also, I respect that you kept this readable without throwing in non-sequiturs about radiation or the odd fireball reports. People who don’t have the time or the means to dig into the archives sometimes get defensive and act like any simple solution must be naive. I think you struck a good balance here.

Thanks for posting this. It’s good to see an explanation that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel just to sound exotic. 

[ZuriDog]

One part I keep circling back to is the orderly footprints. If Zolo had rushed back calling for help, and everyone tore out in a panic, you’d expect a real mess of tracks, maybe some dragging or clustering. Instead, those first prints show a calm single file. And why would he leave Tibo? Also, that last clear shoed footprint at the tent edge suggests someone stepped out deliberately, probably to see what the shouting was about. It doesn’t feel like everyone rushed out together in a blind sprint.

I think whatever Zolotarev's decision, whether to get Tibo back to the tent or find alternate shelter, would have been easier with the help of others. The plan was to get a couple of more people down at the cedar and get things done faster.

Yes the footprints seem to contradict a panic exit from the tent, however the footprints immediately outside the tent were either covered by snow or obliterated by the search party, it is hard to say what these prints would have looked like.
The prints that were found started some 30 meters away from the tent and by now the initial responders could appreciate the harshness of the terrain without shoes.
I think not everyone rushed out in a panic either, perhaps Dyatlov, Doroshenko and Krivonishenko rushed out to help quite unprepared - the remaining hikers would have put on a couple of more layers, gathered torches and followed closely behind.

EDIT: also just to repeat my point - they had never intended to be away from the tent for too long. The plan was to assist with the rescue and return. They underestimated both temperature and time.
The shelter they constructed was not large enough for all hikers, I think only two or three people max were intended to spend the night there. The others were to return after the construction of the shelter. Which is indeed what happened, only of course they didn't make it.


And I agree with you, poor Zolotarev is treated quite harshly by many theories. I think he felt attaining his category three certification would merit him some recognition from his coworkers. I think he was just a guy trying to secure a better future for himself and his family.

[SURI]

The shelter was built for 4 people from the ravine, because the others were no longer alive at that time.

[Axelrod]

The shelter was built for 4 people from the ravine, because the others were no longer alive at that time.

We only know that they were the last to be found.
But it is not a fact that they were the last to die.
We do not know in what order they all died. It is a matter of imagination.

[ahabmyth]

Except those nearby woods were 1 1/2klm away and over an area strewn with jagged rocks and I think a ravine. Igor would have been aware of this as he had been there before and even had his alternative route which I think they took.
As for climbing up the tree, well someone had to collect wood but looking around at the available pics we have, there seems to me to be quite a reasonable amount of it around the tree, and a lot safer than climbing a tree which must have had one side covered in snow and also the chance of having the snow laden tree itself shaking off of its load , which is probably the cause of someone falling off. And these were experienced hikers.

[SURI]

The shelter was built for 4 people from the ravine, because the others were no longer alive at that time.

We only know that they were the last to be found.
But it is not a fact that they were the last to die.
We do not know in what order they all died. It is a matter of imagination.

The clothes the four of them were wearing from both Yuris suggest something else. And so does the construction of a shelter for 4 people.

[SURI]

Except those nearby woods were 1 1/2klm away and over an area strewn with jagged rocks and I think a ravine. Igor would have been aware of this as he had been there before and even had his alternative route which I think they took.
As for climbing up the tree, well someone had to collect wood but looking around at the available pics we have, there seems to me to be quite a reasonable amount of it around the tree, and a lot safer than climbing a tree which must have had one side covered in snow and also the chance of having the snow laden tree itself shaking off of its load , which is probably the cause of someone falling off. And these were experienced hikers.

You noticed that correctly. The tree was not climbed for firewood.

[ZuriDog]

Except those nearby woods were 1 1/2klm away and over an area strewn with jagged rocks and I think a ravine. Igor would have been aware of this as he had been there before and even had his alternative route which I think they took.
As for climbing up the tree, well someone had to collect wood but looking around at the available pics we have, there seems to me to be quite a reasonable amount of it around the tree, and a lot safer than climbing a tree which must have had one side covered in snow and also the chance of having the snow laden tree itself shaking off of its load , which is probably the cause of someone falling off. And these were experienced hikers.

You noticed that correctly. The tree was not climbed for firewood.

The group diary says - what can be found on the ground is too damp to be of use.

Also looking at pictures of the cedar scene, none of the trees appear to have any significant amount of snow on them

[SURI]

It was not necessary to climb to a height of 4-5 m to get firewood.

[ZuriDog]

It was not necessary to climb to a height of 4-5 m to get firewood.

And yet... They did climb that tree, to a height of 4-5m, and broke branches off it. That is part of the evidence.

[OLD JEDI 72]

Maybe they wanted live branches to use as clubs or they were clearing away branches to be able to observe the tent area uphill. Kinda hard to burn live wood. Which makes me wonder how the heck they even started a fire with only matches.

[GlennM]

My diffuculty with the descent to the woods theory is Otorten. If they could spend one cold night and then get to Ortoten, they would be in a better condition for the return trip.

 Sending someone on 1079 out in lousy conditions in snow and ice for a couple of miles, half of which was uphill speaks of remarkably poor planning and unnecessary risk taking for the comfort of those in the tent. After all, they did eat and they had their clothes. Nobody was going to die in that tent, all things considered. For me, what changed was a snow slide which impacted the tent and resulted in sufficient doubt of their safety.

There are parts of your theory that do fit nicely with the facts.

[Ziljoe]

It was not necessary to climb to a height of 4-5 m to get firewood.

And yet... They did climb that tree, to a height of 4-5m, and broke branches off it. That is part of the evidence.

It makes sense to get fire wood from the ceder tree. The branches that are broken were probably the easiest to break, they would be the driest on the tree as they faced the wind which would have caused windburn etc.. . The ceder branches were reported to have been burned and the bodies were found on an insulation layer of gree branches . There would also be sap in the branches which would aid with starting a fire. 5 meters is not that high and it's especially not high if wood is needed .

[ZuriDog]

My diffuculty with the descent to the woods theory is Otorten. If they could spend one cold night and then get to Ortoten, they would be in a better condition for the return trip.

 Sending someone on 1079 out in lousy conditions in snow and ice for a couple of miles, half of which was uphill speaks of remarkably poor planning and unnecessary risk taking for the comfort of those in the tent. After all, they did eat and they had their clothes. Nobody was going to die in that tent, all things considered. For me, what changed was a snow slide which impacted the tent and resulted in sufficient doubt of their safety.

There are parts of your theory that do fit nicely with the facts.

Traversing difficult terrain is what they were in for, and on that particular day the would have had the time and energy due to having set up camp early.
As for incentive - Though I haven't yet found an official statement of just how much wood was in the tent, I remember reading they had one log, that they had carried with them from their previous camp. If they had to carry wood it means they couldn't rely on it being readily available. They didn't just need wood for that night but possibly for their next camp as well. With the extra time available to them, and the nearby woods, a 3 km hike seems worth the effort. And yes half of it is uphill, but half of it is downhill.
Also, neither Zolotarev nor Tibo died of hypothermia, meaning they were both well equipped and prepared for the hike to the woods.

[OLD JEDI 72]

I’ve always thought the same thing about the branches. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to climb up a tree and snap off limbs when you could grab whatever was lying around, unless you look at the details in the reports. The investigators noted, “At the bottom of the ravine, a flooring of branches of fir and birch trees was discovered, and on top were fragments of clothing.” That’s not something you build fast if you’re already freezing to death unless you have a reason.

Rescuers said, “On the slope at the cedar were freshly broken limbs of about 2-3 cm thickness. The ends were torn and splintered. Some pieces were lying at the foot of the tree, others had been carried.” That right there tells you they weren’t just collecting wood for a fire. Those branches were used as tools.

Ivanov wrote, “The den appeared to be dug hastily, perhaps with improvised tools, hands, and footwear.” No shovel marks anywhere. Later forensic analysis confirmed, “No evidence of shovel marks. Snow removal was performed manually or with sticks.” That lines up exactly with what you’d expect if they were snapping branches to scrape out the snow and make a platform.

I’d also add that those same branches could have been used as clubs. People don’t like that idea because it sounds too dark, but if there was any kind of confrontation, it would make sense. Some of the injuries, like Rustem’s skull fracture, have been called out as proof of massive blunt force trauma, but it’s worth noting there was reportedly no major tissue damage over the fracture itself. That could easily be explained by a thick hat or padded hood absorbing the energy. You can hit someone hard enough to crack bone without leaving an obvious laceration if there’s a layer of insulation. It’s not unheard of in forensic cases. Same with Lydias and Zolos crushed ribs. Not necessarily caused by a beat down with sticks but a fall, which their coats protected from tissue damage.

This is why the simplest explanations often get ignored. They didn’t have to be overthinking it. They were just improvising because they had no other choice, and maybe trying to keep control of a situation that was falling apart.

[SURI]

It was definitely not necessary to break branches up to 5 m high because of the fire. The purpose of breaking branches was different.

Those above needed shelter, those below used the branches as torches.

Atmanaki
”Most of the dry branches up to 5 m were broken. Beside this, the side of the tree facing the slope and the tent was completely cleared of branches. These were not dry; they were young and were not used. Some of them were just lying on the ground, and the others were hanging on the lower branches of the cedar. It looked as if someone had created a viewing hide facing the site from where they came.”

[ZuriDog]

It was definitely not necessary to break branches up to 5 m high because of the fire. The purpose of breaking branches was different.

Those above needed shelter, those below used the branches as torches.

Atmanaki
”Most of the dry branches up to 5 m were broken. Beside this, the side of the tree facing the slope and the tent was completely cleared of branches. These were not dry; they were young and were not used. Some of them were just lying on the ground, and the others were hanging on the lower branches of the cedar. It looked as if someone had created a viewing hide facing the site from where they came.”

It is precisely the side of the tree facing the direction of the tent were you'd expect to find dry branches. As already mentioned in this thread, these are the branches exposed to windburn.
And as mentioned in the quote, all the dry branches were broken off, the ones that were not suitable were just left there.
Someone climbed the tree and systematically broke off the branches exposed to windburn, the dry branches were collected, the rest ignored.
If you're up a tree looking for dry branches, and the tree you're on has dry branches, why would you come down and look for another one? You'd just go a little higher and keep going right?

[Ziljoe]

It was definitely not necessary to break branches up to 5 m high because of the fire. The purpose of breaking branches was different.

Those above needed shelter, those below used the branches as torches.

Atmanaki
”Most of the dry branches up to 5 m were broken. Beside this, the side of the tree facing the slope and the tent was completely cleared of branches. These were not dry; they were young and were not used. Some of them were just lying on the ground, and the others were hanging on the lower branches of the cedar. It looked as if someone had created a viewing hide facing the site from where they came.”

I'm not sure why they would need the branches as torches or if these branches would burn like torches. There should be tree sap of the branches at the join to the tree trunk but probably not enough to keep alight but good for a fire.

Here is some more from Atmanaki witness testimony.( It is one of the better statements and is very detailed). https://dyatlovpass.com/case-files-209-220

"Finally, about 1.5 km from the tent under the cedar, the bodies of Krivonischenko and Doroshenko were found (earlier that day), lying side by side on a thin layer of fir branches..."

"Meters in two from the place of their death for the cedar have left traces of a fire, quite large, judging by the fact that the remaining logs with a diameter of up to 80 mm, burned in half, everything was powdered with snow, but under the cedar were found someone's checkered shirt, a handkerchief, several socks,..."

"Twenty meters around the cedar were left traces of how one of those present at the cedar cut young fir trees with a knife, we saw about twenty such cuts, but we didn't find the cut branches except one. It is not very likely that they have been used for heating, because in the first place, they don't burn well, and besides there was relatively lots of dry materials around them. In addition, there was no need to cut or chop, because all these young shoots easily broke even from a small effort. One might think that people who did this were very weak, or with a clouded mind. On the cedar, there are traces of fresh kinks."

"Most dry branches up to 5 m high were broken. In addition, the side of the cedar facing the slope on which the tent stood was cleared of branches at an altitude of 4-5 m. These raw branches were not used and partially fell on the ground, partially suspended on the lower branches of the cedar. It looked like people had done something like a window, so they could look from the top of that side of the cedar where they came from and where their tent was..."

"The amount of work done around the cedar, as well as the presence of many things that obviously could not belong to the two comrades found, indicates that the fire had gathered most, if not the whole group, and after making a fire left some of the people there, part decided to go back, to dig up the tent and bring warm clothes and equipment, and the remaining comrades engaged in making something like a hole where the harvested fir branches was used to wait out the weather and wait for the dawn..."

"The area adjoining directly to the fire was dug up; a layer of well trampled melted snow was found around the fire, which indicates that
there were a lot of people gathered around the fire..."


As I understand it , sometimes the translation jumps between fir and spruce tree. There are the broken branches from the ceder and they are used in the fire , some of the remaining branches do not reach the ground , some of these are raw ( or not as dry). There are fir or spruce branches under the two Yuri's ( insulation)

In parallel, there's a number of small spruce trees cut or broken off . These range  up to 20 and I would suspect the trees found in the den flooring are those trees plus one birch. There is speculation that these young trees were used for a snow hole in this testimony and this is exactly what is found in May.

Somewhere in my gut feeling I think the group, or some of the group got wet . To make a fire and a den at separate locations seems a bit counter intuitive . It would seem the group followed the creek down from 1079 and perhaps up the ravine to where they were found .( Path of least resistance?).

Once past the first 2 meters on the ceder , I think it would be relatively easy to climb ,a bit like a ladder . They would just feel for the easy branches to break, the dryer ones would give way.