The flooring (or "nastil," as it's called in Russian-language sources, which translates as "flooring" or "platform") in the ravine at Dyatlov Pass is an improvised platform constructed by the surviving members of Igor Dyatlov's group in an attempt to find shelter from the elements after evacuating their tent. This structure was discovered in May 1959 during search operations, when the snow began to melt. The ravine (often referred to as "stream ravine" or "cedar ravine") is located approximately 75 meters from the cedar tree where the bodies of Yuri Doroshenko and Georgy Krivonischenko were previously found, and approximately 1.5–2 kilometers downslope from the tent site. The flooring became a key element in the investigation of the incident, as it indicates organized survival efforts by the hikers in extreme conditions (temperatures down to -30°C, strong winds, and snowfall). Below I will describe its design, materials, dimensions, objects found, the condition of the bodies, and related details based on the criminal case materials and the evidence of searchers.
The shelter, known as a "den" or "snow pit," was dug in the snow in a
ravine along a stream running through a forested area. According to
radiograms from the search documents, the deck was located 3 to 2.5
meters beneath the snow, approximately 6 meters upstream from where the
bodies were found. It was a natural snow depression, deepened by hikers
with shovels (the group had folding shovels) or by hand to create a
shelter from the wind. The pit's dimensions are estimated at
approximately 2-3 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 1.5-2 meters deep. The
pit's walls were natural snow slopes, possibly reinforced with branches
or snow. The deck served as the "floor" of the shelter, insulating from
the cold snow and preventing hypothermia. Without it, sitting or lying
on the snow would have been impossible—it would have led to rapid
freezing.
The structure of the platform suggests that the hikers
(likely four: Lyudmila Dubinina, Alexander Zolotarev, Nikolai
Thibault-Brignolle, and Alexander Kolevatov) spent considerable time
constructing it. They cut branches from nearby trees (spruce and birch),
which is confirmed by knife marks. The criminal case states:
"Krivonischenko's knife, used to cut young fir trees near the fire, was
found near the bodies" (although the knife itself was not documented at
the site, only a Bakelite sheath later found near the tent). This
indicates that the branches were cut specifically for the platform, and
not simply broken. Experts note that such work required effort in the
dark and cold, demonstrating the group's discipline even in a critical
situation.
The deck was assembled from readily available materials typical for
survival in the taiga:
Key Materials: 14 fir tree tops and 1
birch top. These were young branches and trunks 1–2 meters long, cut
with a knife. The branches were laid tightly together to form a level
platform. Spruce and birch were chosen due to their availability—they
grew 15 meters from the ravine toward the forest.
Thickness and
Structure: The branches formed a layer 20–30 cm thick to create an air
cushion for thermal insulation. Clothing was placed on top of the
branches for additional warmth and comfort. This is a standard technique
for winter hikes: the branches prevent contact with the snow, and the
clothing adds softness. Dimensions: According to the description in the
radiogram and the inspection report (page 343 of the criminal case), the
platform covered an area of approximately 3 square meters
(approximately 2 x 1.5 meters). This allowed four people to sit or lie
down, huddled closely together for warmth.
The spot where the
branches were cut was found 15 meters from the platform: half a pair of
ski pants lay there, suggesting that someone in the group used the
clothing to protect their hands while working.
On the platform and in the immediate vicinity, searchers discovered
several items of clothing that the hikers likely used as bedding or for
warmth. According to the report:
On the platform itself:
One
leg of black ski pants.
An intact light-colored woolen Chinese
sweater.
An intact insulated brown woolen sweater. Brown trousers,
torn at the legs (possibly used as a makeshift pillow).
Near the
platform:
Half of a beige sweater, found 15 meters from the stream
under a tree (used to wrap Dubinina's leg).
Half of a pair of ski
pants – where branches were cut, 15 meters from the deck toward the
forest.
Bakelite sheath and a white metal tablespoon – under the
snow, but closer to the tent site (possibly carried by the stream).
These items indicate that the hikers shared clothing: those in the
ravine removed some of their clothing to insulate the platform,
sacrificing their own warmth. There are no signs of food or fire in the
ravine – the only fire was near a cedar tree.
Four bodies (Dubinina, Zolotarev, Thibault-Brignolle, and Kolevatov)
were found in the stream below the platform, 4-6 meters away. Condition
of the bodies:
Lyudmila Dubinina: Lying face down in the stream,
with her mouth open (her tongue was missing, according to the medical
report). She was wearing a scarf on her head, a yellow top, a plaid
shirt, two sweaters (gray and dark), dark leggings, brown ski pants, two
wool socks on one leg, and half a beige sweater wrapped around her right
leg. The body was in a state of decomposition, with injuries from a
search probe (on the back of the head and neck). Witness Vladimir
Askinadzi noted: "The back of the head and neck show signs of damage
from the probe, as testified by citizen V.M. Astenadze, who found
Dubinina. Her body was decomposed."
Alexander Zolotarev: He wore it
for two hours (the Pobeda stopped at 8:38, the Sportiv at 8:15). He was
wearing a storm jacket. The body was decomposed, with broken ribs.
Nikolai Thibault-Brignolle: Severe traumatic brain injury (depressed
skull fracture).
Alexander Kolevatov: He was hugging one of the
bodies, partially hairless (due to decomposition). Minimal external
injuries.
The heads of the bodies were close together (about 30
cm), and the bodies were lying on a natural ledge with water running
down them. Askinadzi recalled: "Dubinina's head was on a natural ledge,
down which the water was rolling, her mouth open." The causes of death
were hypothermia and trauma (broken ribs for Dubinina and Zolotarev,
possibly from an avalanche or a fall into a ravine). They likely used
the platform until their final moments, but they couldn't maintain heat
without a fire.
Photographs: The materials include photos of cut spruce trees, a
gallery of images of the platform, and the scene of Dubinina's death.
These photos show branches, snow, and the positions of the bodies.
Diagrams: The report (page 343) contains a drawing showing the
arrangement of objects on the platform.
Expert opinions: Vladimir
Askinadzi (searcher) noted in 2013 in the magazine "Ural Stalker": "Lead
investigator Lev Ivanov 'didn't even approach the platform of branches,
didn't take a photo; it seemed they already had a theory.'" This points
to potential flaws in the investigation. Current theories (such as an
avalanche or "snow slab") suggest that the injuries occurred before or
during the descent into the ravine, and the planking was a rescue
attempt.
The corpses were found few meters away from the
discovered clothes of Krivonischenko and Doroshenko - pants,
sweater. All clothes had traces of flat cuts, as they were
taken from the dead corpses of Doroshenko and
Krivonischenko. Corpses of Thibault-Brignoles and Zolotarev
were found well dressed, Dubinina was dressed worse than
other members- her jacket of faux fur and hat were on
Zolotarev, her leg was wrapped in a woolen trousers of
Krivonischenko. Krivonischenko knife was found next to
corpses, it was used to cut off branches of young
firs.
- Decision to dismiss criminal case, Official criminal
investigation