Global database of glacier failures (1900-2025)

This dataset provides a global compilation of reported glacier failure events (often referred to as glacier collapses) from 1900 to 2025, including ice avalanches (also interacting with snow or entering lakes), glacier detachments, and rock-ice avalanches originating in glacier ice. Events initiated by bedrock failure are excluded. The dataset was compiled from peer-reviewed literature, technical reports, hazard inventories, and verified media sources (193 sources). It contains 606 events from 258 glaciers across 12 Randolph Glacier Inventory (RGI) regions and 22 countries. Each record includes event location, timing, failure type, sources, and data uncertainties, as well as reported conditioning and triggering factors and documented impacts where available. Source glaciers are linked to RGI v7.0 where possible (593 of 606 events), to enable integration with glacier-specific attributes. The dataset is provided as an Excel file with four regional event tables and a reference table, and as the same tables in CSV format. The dataset records reported events and is not a complete inventory of glacier failures. A detailed description of the dataset structure and variables is provided in the README file and in the related publication.