I feel the piece would have worked better backwards. Lead with the outcome that she wasn't found. Move through the effacement of the minor players (and potentially major contributors - the most interesting part). Close on the asking of how and why this happens. (Even the elimination of footsteps by falling snow could have been worked through it as a stronger metaphor)

Thanks for saving me from the clickbait. I think this sort of social archaeology is overrated; this was a person who was explicitly protective of her privacy.