New Kind of Avalanche: 9 Russian Adventurers Mysteriously Froze to Death

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a recent article that explores the mysterious deaths of nine Russian adventurers, proposing a new type of avalanche as a potential explanation. Participants examine the implications of this theory, drawing on personal experiences and skepticism regarding the novelty of the avalanche concept.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the claim of a "new" kind of avalanche, suggesting it may not be entirely novel.
  • One participant shares a personal experience related to snow conditions, illustrating how surface hardness can lead to sliding phenomena.
  • Another participant notes that the conditions described in the article align with known types of avalanches, indicating that the research may confirm existing theories rather than introduce a completely new concept.
  • It is mentioned that the slope involved in the incident was 23.0 degrees, which is less than the commonly referenced 30.0 degrees for certain avalanche types, but still within a range that could facilitate this kind of event.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of skepticism and acceptance regarding the novelty of the avalanche theory. There is no consensus on whether the research presents a truly new kind of avalanche or simply reaffirms existing knowledge.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of specific slope angles in relation to avalanche formation, indicating that the conditions may not fully align with traditional definitions of avalanche types.

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Cool. My first reaction, before reading the article was skepticism regarding the claim of a "new" kind of avalanche, but indeed that is what the article details.
 
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When I read it, it made sense. It’s something I experienced as a kid where the snow was hard on the surface due to the winds but soft and powdery underneath.

We used to break off chunks a toss them onto the hard surface to see the piece shatter and the parts skitter away.

It never occurred to me that on an incline that a portion of the surface could break free and slide down as a kind of micro avalanche.
 
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jedishrfu said:
the snow was hard on the surface due to the winds but soft and powdery underneath.
I was once on a ski lift early watching some skiers taking a first run on a slope like that. :biggrin:
 
My understanding is that is not entirely a "new kind" - more like they proved known kind of avalanche could take place in the conditions present there and then.
 
Also that for this type of avalanche the slope was less than the 30.0 degree slope.

A minimum of 20.0 degree was needed and in the case of tragic event they described, the slope was 23.0 degrees.
 
Last edited:
Read that with an internal Theremin playing.
 

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