Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Hodge Close is currently wet and conditions are deteriorating rapidly. Rain today (4.7mm with showers through the afternoon) follows a significant wet spell (19–20 Aug: 27mm), and the forecast shows heavy, persistent rain over the next five days (77mm+), making the quarry unsuitable for climbing on its polished slate surfaces.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The enclosed quarry amphitheatre traps humidity and has very poor air circulation, meaning surfaces remain damp far longer than open crags even after rain stops.
- Seepage from the quarry rim feeds water onto routes for days after heavy rain — the 27mm on 19–20 August followed by today's rain and the incoming fronts will keep seepage lines active well into September.
- Polished quarried slate at Hodge Close is among the greasiest rock in the Lakes when damp; even residual humidity condensing on cold surfaces can make friction dangerously low.
- Deep water soloing remains an option if water temperature is tolerable, but trad and bouldering on the walls should be avoided until a sustained dry period allows the bowl to air out.
Warnings
3
- Polished slate at Hodge Close becomes treacherously greasy when damp — even residual humidity can cause unexpected slips on slab routes.
- Heavy rain forecast (30.8mm on Aug 28) will activate seepage lines across the quarry that may persist for several days after rain stops.
- 100% cloud cover and high humidity today mean no solar drying — surfaces will not improve through the day.
Reasoning
The rock is currently wet from today's rain (4.7mm with afternoon showers peaking at 2.8mm at 15:00) and residual moisture from the 19–20 August wet spell, with the sheltered quarry bowl preventing effective drying.
The four dry days (22–25 Aug) before today would normally be sufficient for non-porous slate, but the sheltered bowl with minimal wind penetration and high humidity (70–78%) means surfaces likely only partially dried before today's rain re-wetted everything.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural weakening concern, but the polished quarried surfaces become extremely slippery even with thin moisture films, creating a serious fall risk.
Late August in the Lake District is entering a wetter pattern; the incoming week of heavy rain (77mm forecast) is consistent with the seasonal transition toward autumn, and sustained drying windows become less likely.
Contributing Factors
6
4.7mm total today with showers through the afternoon (peaking at 2.8mm at 15:00) are actively wetting all surfaces in the quarry.
The next five days bring 77mm of rain including a 30.8mm deluge on the 28th, ensuring no drying opportunity.
The enclosed amphitheatre traps humidity and blocks wind, dramatically slowing surface drying compared to open crags.
Humidity at 86–96% today and forecast to remain above 85% all week prevents effective evaporation and may cause condensation on cold rock.
Quarried slate surfaces at Hodge Close are notably polished and lose friction dramatically with even a thin film of moisture.
Seepage from the quarry rim will be active and increasing through the coming week given the heavy rainfall totals.
Recommendations
3
- Do not attempt trad or bouldering at Hodge Close this week — conditions are wet now and will worsen significantly over the next five days.
- Monitor the forecast for a sustained dry window of at least 3–4 days after the rain clears (likely not until early September at the earliest) before returning.
- If you are in the area and determined to climb, consider nearby limestone venues (e.g. Chapel Head Scar) which can offer better friction when damp, though these too will be affected by this week's heavy rain.
Previous Analyses
Marginal — Assess Conditions
65%
57 days ago
Three dry days following a very wet spell (27mm on Aug 19–20 alone) have allowed surface drying, but the sheltered quarry bowl and persistent seepage from the rim mean conditions may still be damp in places — especially on north-facing walls and below seepage lines. Today's low humidity afternoon window (50–53%) is promising, but a visual check on arrival is essential before committing to routes.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The enclosed amphitheatre shape traps humid air and severely limits air circulation, meaning even three dry days may not fully clear residual dampness from sheltered corners and north-facing walls.
- Seepage from the quarry rim can persist for days after heavy rain — the 27mm that fell on Aug 19–20 is likely still feeding trickles down certain wall sections.
- Polished quarried slate surfaces at Hodge Close are far more friction-sensitive than natural slate; even a thin film of moisture or high humidity can make them treacherously greasy.
- Heavy rain is forecast from Aug 26–28 (34mm+), so today and possibly tomorrow morning represent the only viable climbing window for roughly a week.
Warnings
2
- Polished slate can feel deceptively dry on the surface while remaining greasy — test friction on lower holds before committing to steep routes.
- Seepage from the quarry rim may create wet streaks on otherwise dry-looking walls; inspect routes from below before climbing.
Reasoning
The rock surface on south- and west-facing walls is likely dry after three rain-free days, but north-facing sections and areas below the quarry rim may still harbour residual dampness from the 27mm that fell on Aug 19–20.
The sheltered quarry position limits wind penetration despite moderate breezes outside, and while today's low afternoon humidity (50%) aids evaporation, three days is marginal drying time for this enclosed venue after such heavy rain.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural weakening concern, but the polished quarried surfaces lose friction dramatically with even slight moisture, making slips the primary hazard.
Mid-summer temperatures and daylight hours are favourable, but the recent wet pattern and high average humidity (79% over the past week) have kept the quarry environment persistently damp.
Contributing Factors
6
No rain since Aug 21 (0.7mm trace), giving surfaces time to shed standing water and begin drying.
Over 27mm fell on Aug 19–20 alone, feeding rim seepage that can persist for days in this sheltered quarry.
The enclosed amphitheatre traps humidity and blocks wind, significantly slowing evaporation compared to open crags.
Humidity drops to around 50% from midday to 5pm with clear skies, the best drying window in over a week.
Quarried slate surfaces at Hodge Close are highly polished and become extremely greasy with even a thin moisture film.
15mm+ forecast for Aug 26 followed by further rain on Aug 27–28, closing the window for at least several days.
Recommendations
3
- Visit this afternoon (midday–5pm) when humidity is lowest and surfaces have maximum drying benefit, but test friction carefully on polished holds before committing to anything committing.
- Avoid north-facing walls and any routes below obvious seepage lines from the quarry rim — these will take longest to dry.
- If planning to climb this week, today is the best opportunity; heavy rain from Aug 26 onward will reset conditions entirely.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
55%
58 days ago
After two dry days following a very wet spell (15.3mm and 11.8mm on Aug 19–20), exposed south-facing walls may be dry enough to climb, but the sheltered quarry bowl and seepage-prone areas are likely still damp. Heavy rain is forecast from Aug 27, so there is a narrow window over the next few days before conditions deteriorate significantly.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The enclosed quarry amphitheatre traps humidity and has very poor air circulation, meaning surfaces can remain damp or greasy well after open crags have dried.
- Seepage from the quarry rim — fed by the heavy rain on Aug 19–20 (27.1mm combined) — may still be trickling down sections of the walls, particularly north-facing and shaded areas.
- Polished quarried slate surfaces at Hodge Close are notably more slippery than natural slate; even a thin film of residual moisture or high humidity condensation can make them treacherous.
- A major rainfall event (~80mm) is forecast for Aug 27–28, which will reset conditions entirely and likely cause sustained seepage for days afterward.
Warnings
2
- Polished slate surfaces can feel dry to the touch but still be greasy enough to cause unexpected slips — test friction carefully on easier ground first.
- Heavy rain (~80mm) forecast for Aug 27–28 will make conditions unsafe and may cause flooding or rising water levels in the quarry pool.
Reasoning
Two full dry days after significant rain (27.1mm on Aug 19–20 plus 0.7mm on Aug 21) with moderate humidity (74–78%) mean the non-porous slate surfaces should be mostly surface-dry on exposed faces, but the sheltered quarry bowl likely retains patches of dampness and seepage.
Light winds (9.7–16.2 km/h) and the sheltered quarry position have limited drying; the south-facing walls will have benefited from summer sun angles, but north-facing walls and deep recesses will have dried poorly.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural weakening concern, but surface friction on the polished quarried surfaces drops dramatically with even slight moisture.
Mid-summer provides reasonable daylight hours and warmth for drying, though recent temperatures have been cool for August (13–17°C range), and high ambient humidity (74%) limits evaporation in the enclosed bowl.
Contributing Factors
7
27.1mm fell on Aug 19–20 with an additional 0.7mm on Aug 21, saturating the quarry rim and feeding seepage lines that persist for days in this sheltered venue.
Aug 22–23 have been dry with moderate temperatures, allowing exposed surfaces to begin drying, though the sheltered bowl limits the benefit.
The enclosed amphitheatre traps humidity and restricts wind-assisted drying, meaning two dry days may not be sufficient for all walls.
Humidity at 74–78% over the last two days limits evaporative drying and may allow condensation on cooler north-facing walls.
Quarried slate surfaces at Hodge Close are smoother than natural rock and lose friction dramatically with even trace moisture.
Approximately 80mm of rain is forecast for Aug 27–28, which will completely reset conditions and cause prolonged seepage afterward.
South and west-facing walls benefit from strong summer sun, improving drying on those aspects even in the sheltered bowl.
Recommendations
3
- If visiting today or tomorrow, carefully inspect rock surfaces for dampness and seepage before climbing — stick to south and west-facing walls that receive direct sun.
- Avoid north-facing walls and any routes beneath the quarry rim where seepage lines are visible; these may remain damp for several more days.
- Plan any climbing for Aug 23–25 at the latest, as the major rain event forecast for Aug 27–28 will render the quarry unsafe and trigger prolonged seepage.
Do Not Climb
35%
59 days ago
Heavy rain on Aug 19–20 (27.1mm combined) followed by only one full dry day means the sheltered quarry bowl is very likely still damp, with seepage from the rim probable. With high humidity (85% average over the last week) and poor air circulation, polished slate surfaces will be treacherously greasy.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The enclosed amphitheatre shape traps humid air and dramatically slows evaporation — even after two dry days the quarry floor and north-facing walls can remain damp when open crags nearby feel dry.
- Seepage lines from the quarry rim are fed by water percolating through soil and rock fractures above, and typically persist for 2–4 days after significant rain events like the 27mm on Aug 19–20.
- Quarried and polished slate surfaces at Hodge Close lose almost all friction with even a thin film of moisture — routes that feel merely damp underfoot can be genuinely dangerous.
- The deep pool at the base raises local humidity inside the quarry bowl, creating a micro-climate that keeps surfaces clammy even on otherwise fine days.
Warnings
2
- Polished quarried slate at Hodge Close can be dangerously slippery even when it appears only slightly damp — do not trust visual assessment alone; test friction carefully.
- Seepage from the quarry rim may still be active and can wet routes unpredictably mid-climb.
Reasoning
With 27.1mm of rain on Aug 19–20, only 0.7mm on Aug 21, and one dry day today, the sheltered quarry is very likely to retain surface moisture on north-facing and shaded walls, compounded by 85% average humidity.
The sheltered, enclosed quarry bowl with poor air circulation has had only ~1.5 dry days with moderate westerly winds that barely penetrate the amphitheatre — insufficient to dry seepage lines and shaded surfaces.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural weakening concern, but surface friction on polished quarried slate is critically reduced by even residual dampness.
Mid-to-late August brings shorter days, cooling temperatures (average 13.5°C this week), and the recent unsettled spell is typical of late-summer Atlantic weather patterns affecting the Lake District.
Contributing Factors
7
27.1mm fell across Aug 19–20 with only 1.5 dry days since, far too little drying time for a sheltered quarry venue.
The enclosed amphitheatre traps humidity and blocks wind, creating a damp micro-climate that dramatically slows surface drying.
Average humidity of 85% over the past week inhibits evaporation and keeps the quarry bowl clammy.
Quarried slate surfaces at Hodge Close are polished smooth and become extremely greasy with even a thin moisture film.
Water seeping from the quarry rim after the heavy rain on Aug 19–20 is likely still active and may affect routes for another 1–2 days.
Slate does not absorb water so there is no risk of structural damage, and surfaces will dry once conditions allow.
Today is dry with 17 km/h westerly winds and 78% humidity, contributing to some surface drying on exposed faces.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least another full dry day before visiting — south-facing walls may dry first but north-facing and sheltered sections will remain greasy.
- If you do visit, consider DWS only (water temperature permitting) as a fall onto the pool is far safer than a slip on greasy trad routes.
- Check for active seepage lines from the quarry rim before committing to any route — these can persist for days and cross otherwise dry-looking rock.
Do Not Climb
45%
60 days ago
Hodge Close has received significant rainfall over the past few days (15.3mm on Aug 19, 11.8mm on Aug 20, and 0.9mm today), totalling nearly 28mm in three days. Given the quarry's sheltered bowl trapping humidity and poor air circulation, surfaces are very likely still damp and greasy despite the non-porous rock — we recommend waiting.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The enclosed quarry amphitheatre traps humid air and severely limits air circulation, meaning surface moisture from recent heavy rain will linger far longer than at open crags.
- Seepage from the quarry rim after 40mm of rain in the past week will persist for several days, creating wet streaks across routes even as main surfaces begin to dry.
- Polished quarried slate surfaces become treacherously greasy with even light residual moisture — the smooth, worked surfaces here are far slipperier than natural slate.
- South-facing walls may begin to dry first over the next couple of days, but north-facing sections deep in the quarry bowl will retain moisture longest.
Warnings
2
- Polished quarried slate is extremely dangerous when damp — falls from friction loss on apparently 'nearly dry' surfaces are a real risk at Hodge Close.
- Rim seepage after 40mm of rain in the past week may persist for several days, creating wet streaks that cross otherwise dry-looking routes.
Reasoning
With 15.3mm on Aug 19, 11.8mm on Aug 20, and 0.9mm today, slate surfaces throughout the quarry are almost certainly still wet or carrying a greasy film of moisture.
The sheltered quarry bowl with light winds (~11–13 km/h) and moderate humidity (76–85%) provides very poor drying conditions; even non-porous slate needs 24–48 hours of dry, breezy weather to shed surface moisture in this enclosed environment.
Slate is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so hold breakage from moisture is not a concern.
Late August provides reasonable daylight hours and moderate temperatures, but the recent wet spell and cooler-than-average temps (15°C) are slowing evaporation.
Contributing Factors
6
Nearly 28mm of rain fell across Aug 19–21, saturating quarry surfaces and feeding rim seepage.
The enclosed amphitheatre traps humidity and blocks wind, dramatically slowing surface drying even on non-porous rock.
Average humidity of 84% over the past week inhibits evaporation and keeps surfaces damp.
Quarried and polished slate loses friction dramatically with even a thin moisture film, creating serious slip hazard.
No rain forecast for Aug 22–24, with humidity dropping to 73–76%, which will allow gradual drying.
Wind speeds of 11–17 km/h are modest and the quarry's sheltered position means even less airflow reaches the rock.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least until Aug 23 or 24 before visiting, allowing two or more full dry days for the quarry bowl to air out.
- If visiting during the dry window (Aug 22–24), test friction carefully on south-facing walls first — these will dry earliest — and avoid north-facing sections.
- Be aware that further significant rain is forecast from Aug 25 onward, so the best window this week is likely Aug 24.
Do Not Climb
40%
61 days ago
Hodge Close has received significant rainfall over the past few days (15.5mm yesterday, 4.8mm on the 18th, 4.7mm on the 17th, and further rain today) and the sheltered quarry bowl with high humidity will be slow to dry. Polished slate surfaces are likely still greasy and seepage from the quarry rim is almost certainly active; we recommend waiting for the dry spell forecast from the 22nd onwards.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The enclosed quarry amphitheatre traps humidity and has very poor air circulation, meaning surface moisture lingers far longer than at open crags even though slate is non-porous.
- Seepage from the quarry rim after 30mm of rain in the last 7 days will persist for several days, sending trickles down walls that won't be visible from below.
- The quarried slate at Hodge Close is notably polished compared to natural slate — friction drops dramatically with even a film of moisture, making slabs and lower-angled routes especially dangerous.
- South-facing walls in the quarry will dry fastest during the forecast sunny spell from the 22nd, but north-facing walls may remain damp well into that window.
Warnings
2
- Polished slate at Hodge Close becomes extremely slippery with even a thin moisture film — do not trust surfaces that merely look dry; test friction before committing to moves.
- Seepage from the quarry rim can drip onto routes unexpectedly — check from below for wet streaks before climbing.
Reasoning
With 15.5mm on the 19th, 2.3mm today, and persistent high humidity (82–95%), rock surfaces throughout the quarry bowl are almost certainly wet or carrying a greasy moisture film.
The sheltered quarry position severely limits wind penetration and airflow, and with humidity averaging 84% over the past week, evaporative drying will be very slow despite the non-porous rock type.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural weakening concern, but the greasy surface friction loss on polished quarried slate is a serious safety hazard.
Mid-August temperatures are moderate but the recent unsettled spell with frequent rain and high humidity is typical of a Lake District summer pattern; a drier window appears to be building from the 22nd.
Contributing Factors
7
Over 30mm in the past 7 days including 15.5mm yesterday and 2.3mm today means all quarry surfaces will be wet or damp.
The enclosed amphitheatre has minimal air circulation, dramatically slowing evaporation of surface water compared to open crags.
Humidity has averaged 84% over the past week and remains above 80% today, inhibiting surface drying and potentially causing condensation on cold rock.
Quarried and polished slate loses friction dramatically when damp, making even apparently dry-looking surfaces treacherous.
After sustained rainfall, water percolating through soil and cracks above the quarry rim typically feeds seepage lines for several days.
The forecast shows zero precipitation from the 22nd to the 24th with dropping humidity, which should allow progressive drying.
Humidity drops to 57% by 16:00 today with some cloud breaks, but this is insufficient drying time after this morning's rain.
Recommendations
3
- Wait until at least the 23rd (two full dry days) before attempting routes, particularly on north-facing walls or near known seepage lines.
- If visiting on the 22nd or 23rd, prioritise south-facing steep walls which dry fastest and test friction carefully on lower holds before committing.
- Deep water soloing remains an option in wet conditions but be aware that water temperatures will be cold — a wetsuit is advisable.
Do Not Climb
92%
62 days ago
Hodge Close is currently soaked after 23mm of rain today on top of a very wet recent period (35mm in the last 7 days), with high humidity and further showers forecast through the afternoon. The sheltered quarry bowl will be dripping wet and the polished slate surfaces will be dangerously greasy.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The enclosed quarry amphitheatre traps humidity and has minimal air circulation, meaning surfaces will remain wet and greasy long after rain stops — expect at least 24–48 hours of drying even in summer.
- Seepage from the quarry rim after heavy rain (23mm today plus recent accumulation) will persist for several days, creating wet streaks across otherwise dry-looking faces.
- Polished quarried slate at Hodge Close is significantly more slippery than natural slate — even a thin film of moisture makes holds unreliable, especially on the many slab and vertical routes.
- North-facing walls in the quarry bowl will be the last to dry and should be avoided longest; south-facing upper walls may dry first but rim seepage can still affect them.
Warnings
3
- Polished slate surfaces are extremely dangerous when wet — falls on greasy slab or vertical quarried slate are a serious injury risk.
- Rim seepage after this volume of rain may persist for 3–4 days even on otherwise dry-looking faces — test holds carefully.
- Today's afternoon showers (forecast 1200–1900) mean conditions will worsen again even if there is a brief dry window late morning.
Reasoning
The rock is thoroughly wet after 23mm of rain today, with additional showers still forecast this afternoon and evening, on top of an already saturated period (35mm in 7 days, 81mm in 28 days).
The sheltered quarry bowl with poor air circulation and current light winds (~10-15 km/h) will dry very slowly; meaningful surface drying cannot begin until rain stops and at least a full dry day passes.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural weakening concern, but the sole risk is the extreme slipperiness of polished quarried slate surfaces when wet.
Mid-August offers reasonable daylight hours and temperatures, but the recent unsettled spell with persistent rainfall and high humidity (82% average over 7 days) has kept the quarry bowl saturated.
Contributing Factors
6
23.2mm of rain today with further showers forecast through the afternoon makes all surfaces thoroughly wet.
35mm in the last 7 days and 81mm in the last 28 days means the quarry rim is saturated and seepage will be prolonged.
The enclosed amphitheatre traps humidity and has poor air circulation, dramatically slowing drying even after rain stops.
Humidity has averaged 82% over the past week and is 89% today, further inhibiting evaporation from rock surfaces.
Quarried slate surfaces at Hodge Close become extremely greasy with even light moisture, making climbing dangerous.
The forecast shows dry conditions from August 21 onwards with dropping humidity, which should eventually allow drying.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Hodge Close today — the rock is thoroughly wet and dangerously slippery.
- Wait until at least August 22 to allow a full dry day after the last forecast rain (August 20), then visually assess surfaces before committing to climb.
- If visiting later this week, prioritise south-facing upper walls which will dry fastest, and check for rim seepage streaks before climbing any route.
Do Not Climb
90%
63 days ago
Hodge Close is currently wet and unsuitable for climbing. Rain has fallen today (nearly 7mm) following several days of unsettled weather, with 100% cloud cover and high humidity trapping moisture in the sheltered quarry bowl — polished slate surfaces will be dangerously greasy.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The enclosed quarry amphitheatre traps humidity and has very poor air circulation, meaning surfaces stay damp far longer than open crags even though slate is non-porous.
- Seepage from the quarry rim after the recent wet spell (nearly 13mm in the last 7 days, 59mm in the last 28 days) will persist for days, feeding water down the walls.
- Polished quarried slate at Hodge Close is especially treacherous when damp — even a thin moisture film from condensation or residual seepage can make holds untrustable.
- South-facing walls will dry first when conditions improve; north-facing walls and shaded lower sections near the pool will remain damp longest.
Warnings
2
- Polished quarried slate becomes extremely greasy with even a thin film of moisture — falls on wet slate are sudden and uncontrollable.
- Seepage from the quarry rim will persist for several days after this wet spell; do not assume walls are dry just because rain has stopped.
Reasoning
The rock is currently wet from today's 6.9mm of rain on top of recent showers on the 16th and 17th, with 100% cloud cover and humidity around 85–95% preventing any drying.
The sheltered quarry bowl receives minimal wind penetration despite moderate winds outside, and with persistent overcast skies and high humidity, meaningful surface drying has not occurred and will not occur today.
Slate is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so hold breakage from moisture is not a concern.
Mid-August should offer reasonable drying potential, but the current unsettled spell with persistent westerlies bringing Atlantic moisture is suppressing temperatures well below seasonal averages and keeping humidity elevated.
Contributing Factors
6
Nearly 7mm of precipitation today with intermittent showers continuing through the afternoon and evening, keeping all surfaces wet.
Rain on five of the last seven days totalling 12.6mm means the quarry has had no opportunity to dry out, and seepage from the rim will be active.
Humidity has averaged 78% over the past week and is 88% today, with the sheltered quarry bowl likely even more humid, preventing evaporative drying.
100% cloud cover all day today eliminates solar drying, which is the primary mechanism for drying the sheltered quarry interior.
The enclosed amphitheatre blocks wind and traps humid air, dramatically slowing the drying of slate surfaces compared to exposed crags.
Slate does not absorb water so there is no structural damage risk; once surfaces dry, the rock will be immediately climbable.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Hodge Close today — surfaces will be wet and dangerously slippery.
- The best window this week looks to be August 22nd onwards after two consecutive dry days with lower humidity; even then, check north-facing walls and seepage lines on arrival.
- If visiting from the 21st, focus on south-facing upper walls which will dry first, and avoid any routes below obvious seepage lines from the quarry rim.
Do Not Climb
90%
64 days ago
Hodge Close is currently wet and conditions are deteriorating. Rain fell yesterday (3mm on Aug 16), today's humidity is extremely high (92%), and heavy rain is forecast from this evening through Aug 20, with 30mm+ expected over the next few days. The sheltered quarry bowl will be saturated and greasy.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The enclosed quarry amphitheatre traps humidity and has very poor air circulation, meaning even light drizzle or condensation keeps polished slate surfaces greasy for extended periods.
- Seepage from the quarry rim after the recent wet spell (3mm on Aug 16, plus 6mm today building to 18mm on Aug 20) will persist for days, feeding water down walls that would otherwise be non-porous.
- North-facing walls in the quarry will receive no direct sun and will be the last to dry; even south-facing sections will struggle given 90%+ humidity and overcast skies.
- Deep water soloing remains an option if water temperature is tolerable, but trad and bouldering on the polished quarried slate are inadvisable in these conditions.
Warnings
2
- Polished quarried slate at Hodge Close becomes extremely greasy with even light moisture — falls from friction loss are a serious risk.
- Heavy rain (18mm) forecast for Aug 20 will cause significant seepage and standing water in the quarry; avoid the venue entirely around that date.
Reasoning
The rock is currently wet — 3mm fell yesterday, today has seen near-100% humidity with light precipitation through the afternoon, and heavier rain (up to 6mm total today) is arriving this evening.
Virtually no drying has occurred since yesterday's rain; the sheltered quarry position, near-calm winds (2–7 km/h), and persistent 84–97% humidity today prevent any meaningful evaporation from the polished slate surfaces.
Slate is non-porous so structural damage from moisture is not a concern, but the polished quarried surfaces become treacherously slippery when damp, posing a serious fall hazard.
Mid-August should offer reasonable conditions, but the current unsettled Atlantic weather pattern with repeated frontal systems is keeping the Lake District wet, and the forecast shows no sustained dry window until at least Aug 22.
Contributing Factors
6
6mm of precipitation is expected today, with the heaviest falls (3.3mm in a single hour) arriving late evening, ensuring the quarry is thoroughly wet.
Humidity has been 84–97% all day in the sheltered quarry bowl, preventing any surface drying and likely causing condensation on cold slate.
5.3mm tomorrow, 7mm on Aug 19, and a heavy 18mm on Aug 20 mean conditions will worsen significantly before any improvement.
The enclosed amphitheatre shape blocks wind and traps humid air, dramatically slowing the drying of surface moisture on the polished slate.
Accumulated rainfall over recent weeks (55mm in 28 days) combined with ongoing rain will sustain seepage lines from the rim for days after rain stops.
Slate does not absorb water or weaken structurally, so the concern is purely about surface friction and safety rather than route damage.
Recommendations
3
- Do not attempt trad climbing or bouldering at Hodge Close today or in the next few days — the polished slate will be dangerously greasy.
- Consider waiting until at least Aug 22–23 when a dry window may develop, but allow extra time for the sheltered quarry to dry out after the heavy rain expected on Aug 20.
- If visiting the area, consider deep water soloing only if comfortable with cold water and you have adequate safety cover, as the rock routes will be out of condition.
Do Not Climb
60%
65 days ago
Today has seen 1.2mm of rain with high humidity (84%), and the sheltered quarry bowl will retain surface moisture on polished slate surfaces. The forecast brings further significant rain over the next three days, making conditions unsuitable for the near term.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The enclosed amphitheatre shape traps humid air and drastically slows evaporation — even after the dry spell from Aug 10–15, today's rain and 84% humidity will leave surfaces greasy.
- Seepage from the quarry rim fed by the recent wet spell (11.9mm on Aug 4, 6.2mm on Aug 5, 3.5mm on Aug 6) may have only recently ceased and could restart with today's and tomorrow's rain.
- Polished quarried slate in the bowl is significantly more slippery than natural slate when damp — even residual condensation or high humidity can reduce friction on slab routes.
- South-facing walls had good drying during the warm spell (Aug 11–13, up to 26.5°C) but north-facing walls and shaded lower sections will still be the last to dry and the first to re-wet.
Warnings
2
- Polished quarried slate becomes extremely slippery with even light moisture — do not trust surfaces that merely look dry; test friction with your hand before committing to moves.
- Significant rain forecast Aug 18–19 (up to 19mm combined) will re-wet the entire quarry and restart seepage from the rim.
Reasoning
Today's 1.2mm of rain combined with 84% humidity means slate surfaces in the sheltered quarry are currently damp, particularly on north-facing and shaded walls where the brief dry spell's gains are now lost.
The sheltered quarry bowl receives poor air circulation and only moderate wind (14.4 km/h today), meaning surface moisture from today's rain will linger well into tomorrow, especially on north-facing aspects.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural weakening concern, but the polished quarried surfaces become treacherously greasy with even light moisture — the primary risk is friction loss and slipping.
Mid-August is normally a reasonable window for Hodge Close, but the current pattern of frequent frontal rain and high humidity is more typical of early autumn, limiting drying opportunities.
Contributing Factors
6
1.2mm today with 2.2mm forecast tomorrow and 11.8mm on Aug 18 means surfaces will not have a chance to dry.
Humidity at 84% today rising to 91% tomorrow prevents evaporation in the already poorly-ventilated quarry bowl.
The enclosed amphitheatre traps moisture and limits the drying benefit of prevailing westerly winds, requiring significantly longer dry periods than open crags.
Four consecutive dry days (Aug 10–13) with warm temperatures up to 26.5°C will have thoroughly dried the rock before today's rain re-wetted surfaces.
Quarried and polished slate surfaces lose grip dramatically even with a thin film of moisture, making slab and lower-angle climbing particularly hazardous.
Rain today and in coming days will feed seepage lines from the quarry rim that can persist for 2–3 days after rain stops, wetting routes below.
Recommendations
3
- Wait until at least August 21 when a dry day with lower humidity (75%) is forecast, then visually inspect surfaces — particularly north-facing walls and areas below the quarry rim — before climbing.
- If visiting before conditions improve, deep water soloing is possible year-round regardless of surface moisture, though cold water temperatures require a wetsuit.
- Prioritise south-facing steep walls which dry fastest; avoid slabs and lower-angle routes entirely until surfaces are confirmed bone-dry by touch.
Climbing Outlook