Karaugom Glacier, Large valley glacier in North Ossetia, Russia.
Karaugom Glacier is a valley glacier in the Iraf district of North Ossetia, within the Alania National Park, on the northern slope of the Caucasus main ridge northwest of Mount Uilpata (4638 m). Its current length is 12.27 km and its area 20.55 km², with the firn line at 3440 m and the tongue descending to 1830 m. Two large icefalls lie on the tongue.
Between 1888 and 1966 the glacier's terminus retreated 1,225 metres, and the retreat has continued to the present day. The glacier is a designated natural monument, lying on the northern slope of the Main Caucasus watershed northwest of Mount Uilpata (4,638 m). Its firn line runs at 3,440 m, and the Urukh, a left tributary of the Terek, flows out from the glacier.
The glacier carries different names across the region: Lednik Karaugom in Russian and Къæрæугомы цъити in Ossetian, reflecting the local linguistic heritage.
Access to the glacier follows established mountain trails through the valleys, with the best viewpoints located between 2500 and 3500 meters elevation. The journey requires solid physical fitness and mountain hiking experience, particularly for the upper sections.
The glacier tongue ends at 1830 m, while the firn line lies at 3440 m. Two large icefalls break the tongue. Between 1888 and 1966 the glacier's end retreated 1225 m, and the retreat continues today. The Urukh, a left tributary of the Terek, flows out of the glacier.
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