Elbrus itself is a huge volcanic cone that lies several km. Glaciology and Hydrology Areas above 3000m are heavily glaciated. The volcanic cone of Elbrus itself is covered by an ice cap of about 140 sq.km. 77 minor glaciers radiate from the Elbrus ice cap and some of them reach 400m in thickness. Glacier snouts reach down well below the snowline and give rise to numerous outfalls and rivers.
Lakes are mostly of glacial origin, small in area but often deep.
There are many mineral springs, mainly in the upper Baksan, Irik, Adylsu and Malka valleys. Not far from Tegenekli village on the right bank of Baksan river, lies a glade of about 3 sq.km, surrounded by pine and birch wood, called Narzan Glade after its very high quality mineral springs. These are the most accessible of mineral springs in the area. Climate The main climatic peculiarities of the region are related to altitude and the dominant westerly airstream. Warm, dry winds blowing from the mountains down into the valleys in winter may cause thaws lasting several days which are often followed by huge snowfalls.