Summary On September 20, 2002, a disaster struck the unprepared villages of North Ossetia, Russia. Colossal debris flow resulting from the complete detachment of Kolka (Evans et al, 2009; Kotlyakov et al, 2004). The glacier traveled at extreme speeds reaching a distance of approximately 20 km from the glacial bed along the Genaldon valley to Kamadon (Kotlyakov et al, 2004). A mudslide traveled another 15 km, stopping a few kilometers from Gisel (Haeberli et al, 2004). The landslide caused the direct deaths of a total of 125 people, while the explosion of newly formed lakes, dammed by debris sediments, threatened local villages with flooding and further losses (Kotyakov et al, 2004). The catastrophic acceleration and complete expulsion of the valley glacier from its bed is unique to this event and has not been documented elsewhere (Chernomorets, 2007). The mechanism of this hazard involves a complex interaction between the unique climatic and geological conditions of the area. The 2002 disaster stimulated a great deal of research into the natural hazards associated with glaciers, which has provided options for improved preventative measures that will reduce losses in future events. Location: Geographical location of the Kolka Glacier. The Kolka Glacier is located in the North Caucasus Mountains of Ossetia, Russia (Fig.1). The glacier is located on the northern slope of the Kazbek massif, in the Genaldon River basin. The basin supports numerous glaciers, the largest being the Maili Glacier, which is adjacent to the Kolka Glacier. The coordinates of Kolka Glacier are 42° 44′ 23″ N, 44° 28′ 24″ E (Google Earth). Physical morphology: Kolka glacier and surrounding area The Kolka glacier is classified as a circus valley glacier (Fig. 1), with its accumulation z...... in the center of the map...... debris flow in areas similar to the Kazbek massif (Stoffel et al, 2012). These events must be treated as complex systems in contrast to the simple mechanisms currently employed to explain a large amount of natural hazard processes (Chernomorets et al, 2007). When using models to predict such events, variables associated with climate change are important and should not be excluded. The use of satellites will help with long-term constant monitoring of glaciers in the area (Quincey et al, 2005). If glaciers are constantly and carefully monitored, it will be possible to distribute a warning signal to local residents when natural hazard conditions are highly probable. Relocating settlements to higher ground, as in historic times, will help reduce costs caused by glaciers. debris flow events to infrastructure and in terms of human lives lost.