Kolka Glacier

Kolka Glacier is a mountain glacier on the northern flank of Mount Kazbek in North Ossetia-Alania. The ice-covered surface sits at around 3,000 meters elevation and extends over roughly three kilometers in one of the more remote sections of the Caucasus range.

A glacier surge in September 2002 triggered an avalanche that killed more than 125 people and devastated the Karmadon Valley. Similar events had been documented in 1902 and 1969, when masses of ice moved downslope in sudden bursts.

The local Ossetian name for the glacier, Хъолхъа, reflects the deep connection between the natural formation and the regional linguistic heritage.

Satellite imagery and monitoring stations allow researchers to track the mass and movement of the ice over the seasons. For visitors, the area is difficult to access and requires experience in alpine conditions as well as awareness of current weather.

The ice does not move at a steady pace but can suddenly accelerate and travel several kilometers in just a few hours. These surge events distinguish it from most other ice bodies in the Caucasus, which tend to flow more slowly and consistently.