Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Crookrise has been subjected to frequent, repeated wetting over the past two weeks with very little opportunity for sustained drying, and today has seen further precipitation (1.8mm). Despite the south-facing aspect and exposed position, the rock will be saturated internally and conditions are unsuitable for climbing.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise is BMC-owned — climbing on wet gritstone here directly damages a community asset and undermines the trust that secures free access for all.
- The 3.5km walk-in across open moorland means the approach itself may be boggy and unpleasant, which is a good proxy indicator of ambient moisture levels on the crag.
- The south-facing aspect and exposed position are Crookrise's biggest drying advantages, but these cannot compensate for the near-continuous wetting pattern over the past fortnight.
- Seepage from the moorland plateau above the edge can persist for days after rain, keeping the top of the crag and crack lines wet even when the face appears dry.
Warnings
3
- Climbing on wet gritstone causes permanent, irreversible damage to holds and rock structure — this is a BMC-owned crag and community responsibility.
- The rock surface may appear dry before the interior has adequately dried; do not be deceived by surface appearance alone.
- Freeze-thaw cycles at this altitude with saturated rock are actively damaging the crag — avoid climbing until a sustained dry spell allows proper drying.
Reasoning
With 74.6mm of rain over 28 days and repeated wetting events including 1.9mm yesterday and 1.8mm today, the gritstone will be deeply saturated internally despite any surface drying between showers.
There was a brief promising window on April 6–8 (three dry days, low humidity, good temps up to 17.4°C), but 2.4mm on April 9 and further rain on April 11, 12, and 13 has completely reset any drying progress.
Repeated saturation-partial drying cycles over weeks will have left the rock in a weakened state with significant compressive strength loss; climbing risks hold breakage and accelerated erosion on this porous gritstone.
Early spring at 320m altitude means cool overnight temperatures (near or below freezing on several recent nights) which slow drying considerably, and the prolonged wet late-winter pattern has left the rock in poor baseline condition.
Contributing Factors
7
Rain has fallen on 7 of the last 10 days totalling 16.9mm, with no window of more than two consecutive dry days since April 6-8.
1.8mm of precipitation today means the rock surface has been freshly wetted with zero dry hours accumulated.
74.6mm over the past 28 days represents a prolonged wet period that will have deeply saturated the porous gritstone well beyond the surface.
The south-facing, wind-exposed position gives Crookrise above-average drying potential when dry weather does arrive.
Average temperature of 6.9°C over the last week with overnight lows near or below freezing slows evaporation and drying considerably.
Multiple nights below or near 0°C (April 2, 5, 6, and 13) combined with saturated rock creates active freeze-thaw damage risk at this altitude.
The three dry days of April 6-8 with excellent conditions (up to 17.4°C, 57% humidity) would have begun drying, but subsequent rain on April 9, 11, 12, and 13 has completely reversed any progress.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Crookrise today — the rock is wet from today's rain and deeply saturated from weeks of repeated precipitation.
- Wait for at least 48 hours of continuous dry weather with temperatures above 10°C and low humidity before considering a visit.
- Check the moorland approach path as a proxy — if the ground is boggy and waterlogged, the rock will certainly still be too wet internally.
Previous Analyses
Do Not Climb
85%
2 days ago
Crookrise has received frequent rain over the past two weeks with no meaningful dry spell, and today itself has 1.6mm of precipitation. Despite the south-facing aspect and exposed position, the gritstone has had no consecutive dry days to establish adequate drying, and the cumulative 79mm over 28 days points to deeply saturated rock that needs an extended dry period to recover.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise is BMC-owned — climbing on wet rock here directly damages a community asset and could jeopardise this freely accessible site.
- The 3.5km moorland walk-in means conditions at the crag may differ from the car park; the surrounding peat moorland retains moisture and can contribute to a damp microclimate even on dry days.
- South-facing aspect and exposed position are significant advantages for drying, but cannot compensate for the near-continuous rain pattern over the last 10 days.
- At 320m altitude, overnight temperatures have been dipping near or below freezing — recent wet-then-freeze cycles (e.g. Apr 5 at -0.1°C, Apr 6 at 0.2°C with prior rain) pose cumulative freeze-thaw damage risk to saturated gritstone.
Warnings
3
- Climbing on saturated gritstone risks permanent hold breakage and route damage — Crookrise is BMC-owned and irreplaceable.
- Freeze-thaw conditions are active: tonight's forecast of -1.1°C on saturated rock will cause further structural weakening.
- The surface may appear dry in sun and wind while the interior remains dangerously saturated — do not be deceived by surface appearance.
Reasoning
The rock is almost certainly saturated internally: rain fell on 9 of the last 10 days (including today), totalling ~17mm in that period on top of an already very wet month (79mm over 28 days), leaving zero consecutive dry days.
Despite good south-facing aspect and strong winds (36 km/h today from SW), the surface may feel dry by afternoon but the interior will remain saturated — there has been no dry spell longer than about 2 days since mid-March, which is wholly insufficient for deep drying of porous gritstone.
The prolonged saturation combined with multiple overnight temperature dips near 0°C creates significant freeze-thaw risk; compressive strength is likely reduced by 10–50%, making hold breakage a real concern.
Early spring conditions in the Yorkshire Dales at 320m mean cool temperatures averaging ~7°C, limited solar intensity, and frequent frontal rain — this is a period where gritstone crags can remain in poor internal condition for weeks despite surface appearances.
Contributing Factors
7
Rain fell on 9 of the last 10 days including today (1.6mm), with 9.4mm in the last 7 days and 79mm over 28 days, leaving zero consecutive dry days and deeply saturated rock.
The longest dry spell in the past two weeks was only 2 days (Apr 6–7), which is far too short for gritstone to dry internally after the heavy rain of late March and early April.
The south-facing orientation and exposed moorland position provide above-average solar radiation and wind exposure, which will accelerate drying once a sustained dry spell arrives.
Today's 36 km/h SW winds will help surface evaporation, but cannot compensate for the lack of consecutive dry days needed to draw out deep internal moisture.
Average temperatures of ~7°C over the past week slow evaporation rates significantly compared to summer conditions, extending required drying times.
Multiple overnight minima near or below 0°C (Apr 2: -0.5°C, Apr 5: -0.1°C, tomorrow forecast: -1.1°C) while the rock remains saturated create active freeze-thaw damage potential.
79mm over 28 days represents a very wet period that will have saturated the gritstone well beyond the critical ~60% pore saturation threshold, requiring an extended dry spell to recover.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the gritstone has had no meaningful dry spell and is almost certainly saturated internally despite any surface drying.
- Wait for a minimum of 48–72 hours of completely dry weather with temperatures above 8°C before considering a visit; realistically this means at least mid-to-late next week at the earliest.
- Check the ground at the crag base on arrival — if the peat and soil are damp, the rock will certainly still be wet internally and you should not climb.
Do Not Climb
90%
3 days ago
Crookrise is receiving rain today (5.2mm) after a prolonged wet period with 77.7mm over the past 28 days, making conditions clearly unsuitable for climbing. The gritstone will be saturated internally despite any surface drying, and the forecast shows continued unsettled weather with no adequate drying window in the coming days.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise's south-facing aspect and exposed position are its best drying assets, but these cannot compensate for active precipitation today and the cumulative saturation from nearly 80mm in the past month.
- The 3.5km moorland walk-in means ground conditions will also be very boggy; the surrounding peat and moorland act as a moisture reservoir that keeps ambient humidity high at crag level.
- As a BMC-owned crag, Crookrise carries a particular ethical responsibility — climbing on wet gritstone here directly damages a communal asset held in trust for future climbers.
- At 320m altitude, overnight temperatures have been dipping near or below freezing (down to -0.5°C on April 2nd, -0.1°C on April 5th), meaning freeze-thaw cycling on saturated rock is an active concern this spring.
Warnings
3
- Climbing on wet gritstone causes permanent, irreversible damage to holds — Crookrise is BMC-owned and held in trust for all climbers.
- Freeze-thaw cycling on saturated rock at this altitude creates a real risk of hold failure and climber injury.
- The surface may appear to dry quickly between showers due to wind and sun, but internal saturation from the prolonged wet spell means the rock is structurally compromised even when it looks dry.
Reasoning
The rock is currently wet from today's 5.2mm of rain, compounding a deeply saturated state from 77.7mm over 28 days with only brief dry spells that were insufficient for full internal drying.
Despite the south-facing aspect and strong winds today (32 km/h), active rainfall negates any drying benefit, and the last meaningful dry spell (April 6–8, three days) was interrupted by 2.4mm on April 9th before today's rain.
With prolonged saturation and overnight temperatures near or below freezing in recent weeks, freeze-thaw damage risk is elevated and gritstone holds are at significant risk of breakage if loaded.
Early April in the Yorkshire Dales is still a transitional period with cool temperatures averaging only 6.6°C over the past week, high ambient humidity, and frequent Atlantic frontal systems keeping the rock chronically damp.
Contributing Factors
8
5.2mm of rain is falling today, ensuring the rock surface and interior are currently wet.
77.7mm over 28 days with no extended dry window means the gritstone is deeply saturated internally, far beyond surface moisture.
Zero consecutive dry days heading into today means there has been no drying window whatsoever since the last rain.
Average temperature of just 6.6°C over the past week significantly slows evaporative drying of porous gritstone.
The south-facing aspect and exposed position give Crookrise above-average drying potential when dry weather arrives, but this is irrelevant during active rain.
32 km/h southerly winds would normally aid drying but cannot overcome active precipitation.
Overnight lows near or below freezing in recent days at 320m elevation create freeze-thaw cycling risk on saturated gritstone.
Further rain is forecast on April 12 (5.4mm), April 13 (1.8mm), April 14 (2.0mm), and especially April 15 (18.7mm), preventing any meaningful drying.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Crookrise today or in the coming days — the rock is wet and the forecast offers no adequate drying window until at least April 17 or beyond.
- Monitor conditions after April 16; you would need at least 48 hours of dry, breezy weather with temperatures above 10°C before considering a visit.
- If you're keen to climb this weekend, consider a non-porous alternative such as limestone in the Yorkshire Dales where structural damage from dampness is not a concern, though friction may still be reduced.
Do Not Climb
45%
4 days ago
Despite today being dry with favourable low humidity (68%) and moderate wind, there has been only one full dry day since 2.4mm of rain on April 9th, following a very wet period with 80mm over the past 28 days. The rock is almost certainly still holding internal moisture and needs more drying time before it can be considered safe for climbing.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise's south-facing aspect and exposed moorland position are strongly favourable for drying, but the single dry day since yesterday's rain is insufficient even with these advantages.
- The prolonged wet spell through late March and early April (80mm in 28 days) means the gritstone will have been repeatedly saturated, with deep internal moisture that takes much longer to dissipate than surface water.
- BMC ownership means access is secure, but the BMC's own guidance explicitly advises against climbing on damp porous rock — respect for the site that the BMC purchased for climbers demands patience.
- The 3.5km walk-in means conditions cannot be easily reassessed mid-day; committing to the approach when conditions are marginal risks wasted effort or the temptation to climb on damp rock.
Warnings
2
- Gritstone can appear surface-dry while retaining dangerous levels of internal moisture — do not be deceived by a dry-looking surface after only one day.
- Repeated freeze-thaw cycles with saturated rock over recent weeks may have weakened holds; extra caution is warranted even once conditions improve.
Reasoning
With 2.4mm of rain just yesterday (April 9th) and repeated wetting events throughout the preceding weeks totalling 80mm in 28 days, the gritstone is very likely still holding significant internal moisture despite today's dry surface conditions.
One dry day with 68% humidity, 24.8 km/h SW wind, and a south-facing exposed aspect provides good surface drying, but is insufficient to dry porous gritstone that has been repeatedly saturated — a minimum of 48 hours of dry weather is needed after even light rain.
Repeated saturation cycles over the past month, combined with near-freezing overnight temperatures (min 1.3°C today, sub-zero on several recent nights), create elevated risk of weakened grain bonds and potential hold breakage.
Early April in northern England at 320m altitude means cool temperatures that slow evaporation, and overnight frost risk remains — the brief warm spell (April 6–8) helped but was interrupted by rain on April 9th.
Contributing Factors
6
2.4mm fell on April 9th, giving only one dry day — well short of the minimum 24–48 hours needed even after light rain on porous gritstone.
80mm over 28 days with frequent wetting events means the rock has been repeatedly saturated to depth, requiring extended drying beyond the normal guidelines.
68% humidity and 24.8 km/h SW wind today provide good evaporative conditions, and the south-facing exposed aspect maximises solar drying.
Average temperature of 6.7°C over the past week slows evaporation significantly compared to summer conditions, extending required drying time.
Min temperatures hovering near 0°C (1.3°C today, -0.5°C on April 2nd, -0.1°C on April 5th) with likely saturated rock create freeze-thaw damage risk.
Three consecutive dry days with warm temperatures (up to 17.4°C) and low humidity (57%) would have provided meaningful drying, but this progress was largely reset by rain on April 9th.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for at least 48 hours of continuous dry weather with humidity below 75% before visiting — check the forecast carefully before committing to the 3.5km walk-in.
- If you do visit, test the ground at the base of the crag: if the peat or soil is damp, the rock is almost certainly still wet internally and should not be climbed.
- Consider the brief warm dry spell of April 6–8 as a reminder that good windows will come — patience now protects both the holds and your safety on this excellent BMC-owned crag.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
55%
5 days ago
After three good drying days (Apr 6–8) following light rain on Apr 5 (1.5mm), conditions are promising but today's 0.3mm drizzle and high overnight humidity (96%) introduce uncertainty. The south-facing, exposed aspect and recent warm spell will have aided drying significantly, but the prolonged wet March (94.8mm over 28 days) means deep moisture may persist — visual assessment on arrival is essential.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise's south-facing aspect and exposed moorland position give it some of the best natural drying conditions of any Yorkshire gritstone crag, but at 320m altitude temperatures are notably cooler than valley crags.
- The 3.5km walk-in from Embsay Reservoir means you can assess moorland ground conditions en route — if the peat and grass are sodden, expect the rock to still hold moisture.
- The prolonged wet spell from late March (25.6mm on Mar 24, followed by repeated rain through Apr 5) will have deeply saturated the grit; even three good drying days may not have fully cleared internal moisture from thicker blocks.
- BMC-owned crag with free access — climbers have a direct responsibility to protect the rock; any doubt about conditions should result in walking away.
Warnings
2
- The prolonged wet March means internal moisture may persist despite a surface-dry appearance — the most dangerous scenario for hold breakage on gritstone.
- Overnight freezing temperatures at 320m combined with residual internal moisture create ongoing freeze-thaw risk that weakens the rock structure.
Reasoning
The rock received 1.5mm on Apr 5, followed by three dry days with good temperatures (up to 17.4°C) and low humidity (57–73%), but today's trace precipitation (0.3mm) and overnight humidity spike to 96% may have re-wetted the surface.
The south-facing, wind-exposed aspect combined with warm daytime temperatures on Apr 7–8 (15–17°C) and moderate winds would have driven substantial surface drying, but the cumulative 94.8mm over 28 days means deep pore saturation likely persists in thicker sections.
Given the prolonged wet March and the porous nature of Millstone Grit, there is a moderate risk of internal moisture weakening holds, particularly on lower sections and thicker blocks that drain slowly.
Early April at 320m altitude brings overnight temperatures near freezing (min -0.1°C on Apr 5, 0.2°C on Apr 6), raising mild freeze-thaw concerns for any residual internal moisture, though the recent warmer spell has reduced this risk.
Contributing Factors
6
April 6–8 were completely dry with warm temperatures (up to 17.4°C) and moderate humidity, providing roughly 72 hours of drying.
Crookrise's south aspect and exposed moorland position maximise solar radiation and wind drying, making it one of the faster-drying gritstone venues.
94.8mm over 28 days including 25.6mm on Mar 24 and repeated rain through Apr 5 means the rock was deeply saturated before the recent dry spell.
0.3mm today and overnight humidity reaching 96% may have lightly re-wetted the rock surface, partially undoing yesterday's drying gains.
The 7-day average of 7.1°C is modest for effective evaporative drying, and overnight lows near or below freezing slow the process considerably.
30.6 km/h westerly winds today will aid surface drying throughout the day despite the cool temperatures.
Recommendations
3
- Walk in via the reservoir track and assess ground conditions — if the peat and moorland turf are waterlogged, the rock is likely still holding internal moisture.
- Touch-test the rock at the base of problems and in recesses before committing; if any dampness is felt or the rock looks darker in patches, do not climb.
- If conditions look good on the upper, more exposed faces, stick to those — avoid lower, sheltered sections and any seepage lines where moisture will persist longest.
Do Not Climb
45%
8 days ago
Despite today being dry with improving conditions, the rock has had only one full dry day following a prolonged wet period — 1.5mm fell on April 5th, 2.4mm on April 4th, and 3.3mm on April 3rd, with nearly 100mm in the last 28 days. The gritstone is very likely still holding internal moisture and needs more drying time before it can be considered safe to climb.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise is BMC-owned since 2017, which places an extra ethical responsibility on climbers to protect the rock — climbing on damp grit here directly damages a community asset.
- The south-facing aspect and exposed moorland position are the strongest drying advantages this crag has, meaning it will dry faster than most Yorkshire gritstone, but even so one dry day is insufficient after this wet spell.
- The 3.5km walk-in across open moorland means boggy ground conditions en route will give a useful indicator of general moisture levels — if the path is waterlogged, the rock will certainly still be damp.
- At 320m altitude with overnight temperatures dropping below zero (−0.9°C minimum today), freeze-thaw cycling on still-saturated grit poses a real risk of grain loosening and hold damage.
Warnings
2
- Overnight freeze-thaw cycling on saturated gritstone (−0.9°C minimum today) creates a real risk of hold breakage — do not climb today.
- Surface-dry gritstone can still be critically weakened internally; the 'looks dry' test is unreliable after prolonged wet spells like this.
Reasoning
With 10.1mm of rain in the last 7 days including 1.5mm just yesterday (April 5th), and nearly 100mm in the last 28 days, the gritstone will still hold significant internal moisture despite one dry day — the surface may appear dry but the interior is almost certainly still saturated.
The south-facing, exposed aspect with moderate wind today (15.8 km/h) and low humidity (72%) provides good surface drying conditions, but only ~24 hours of effective drying since the last rain is far short of the 48–72+ hours needed after this cumulative wet period.
With repeated wetting over the past month and overnight freezing (−0.9°C minimum today), the gritstone is at elevated risk of grain loosening and hold breakage — freeze-thaw damage is a serious concern at 60%+ pore saturation.
Early spring at 320m altitude means cold overnight temperatures and limited solar intensity; while days are lengthening, the drying capacity of the atmosphere is still modest compared to summer conditions.
Contributing Factors
6
Nearly 100mm over the past 28 days with rain on most days, including 1.5mm yesterday and repeated soakings on March 24th (25.6mm), March 29th (8.3mm), and several other days, means deep saturation of the porous gritstone.
Only one full dry day (today) since the last rain on April 5th is far below the minimum 48–72 hours required after heavy cumulative rainfall on porous gritstone.
The south-facing, exposed moorland position catches good solar radiation and wind, giving Crookrise above-average drying speed for a gritstone crag.
Today's 72% humidity, 11.2°C maximum, dry weather, and moderate southerly wind provide reasonable drying conditions that will help surface moisture evaporate.
Today's minimum of −0.9°C following recent saturation creates active freeze-thaw cycling conditions that can damage gritstone holds at this level of pore saturation.
Average humidity of 83% over the last 7 days has limited the atmosphere's drying capacity, slowing moisture loss from the rock interior.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least another 1–2 full dry days before visiting; tomorrow (April 7th) looks very promising with warm temperatures and low humidity, so April 8th onwards may offer climbable conditions if it stays dry.
- If you do walk in, check the moorland path and the ground at the base of the crag — if the ground is still damp or boggy, the rock will certainly be too wet internally.
- Use only soft boar's hair brushes and minimal chalk; as a BMC-owned crag, treat Crookrise with the highest care and err on the side of waiting.
Do Not Climb
90%
9 days ago
Crookrise has received nearly 100mm of rain over the past 28 days with no meaningful dry spell, and today itself has seen 1.2mm of precipitation — the rock will be saturated internally despite any surface drying. The gritstone needs a sustained dry period that simply has not materialised; climbing today risks both hold breakage and permanent route damage.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise is BMC-owned and free access depends on responsible use — climbing on wet gritstone here directly undermines the trust that secures continued access.
- The 3.5km walk-in across open moorland means boggy, waterlogged approach conditions after this prolonged wet spell, which itself is a strong indicator of saturated ground and rock.
- South-facing aspect and exposed position are significant advantages for drying, but they cannot compensate for the relentless cycle of rain every 1–3 days over the past month.
- At 320m altitude with overnight frosts dropping to -0.9°C today and -3.4°C recently, freeze-thaw cycling on saturated gritstone poses a serious structural damage risk.
Warnings
2
- Freeze-thaw damage risk is elevated: overnight temperatures are dropping below 0°C while the rock remains saturated above the 60% critical pore saturation threshold.
- Surface-dry gritstone after prolonged saturation is the most dangerous scenario — holds can fail without warning due to internal moisture weakening grain bonds by 10–50%.
Reasoning
With 98.9mm over 28 days, rain on 8 of the last 10 days, and precipitation today, the gritstone will be deeply saturated internally — well above the critical ~1% saturation threshold where significant weakening begins.
Despite the south-facing aspect and strong winds (44.6 km/h today), the rock has had zero consecutive dry days and the longest dry window in the past fortnight was only 5 days (March 17–23), which was then undone by 25.6mm on March 24 and continued frequent rain since.
With pore saturation likely well above the 60% critical threshold and overnight temperatures oscillating around 0°C (down to -3.4°C on March 26 and -0.9°C today), active freeze-thaw damage is a serious concern on this already-weakened gritstone.
Early spring at 320m altitude means cool temperatures, slow evaporation rates, and continued freeze-thaw risk — the rock has been through a punishing winter-to-spring transition with cumulative moisture loading.
Contributing Factors
6
Nearly 100mm over 28 days with rain on the majority of days means the gritstone is deeply and persistently saturated beyond what surface inspection can reveal.
Today has received 1.2mm of precipitation, meaning there has been no unbroken dry period to begin meaningful drying of the rock mass.
Overnight lows of -0.9°C today, -0.5°C on April 2, and -3.4°C on March 26 combined with saturated rock create conditions for serious freeze-thaw structural damage.
Average humidity of 84% over the past 7 days severely limits evaporative drying even during daytime hours.
The south-facing, exposed position catches sun and wind, giving Crookrise above-average drying potential when dry weather does arrive.
44.6 km/h westerly winds aid surface evaporation, but cannot overcome the ongoing precipitation and deep saturation from weeks of rain.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the gritstone is saturated from weeks of persistent rain and today's precipitation; wait for a sustained dry spell of at least 48–72 hours.
- Monitor the forecast window of April 6–7 (0mm rain, dropping humidity, warmer temperatures) but verify conditions on arrival as 48 hours may not be sufficient after this level of saturation.
- Check the moorland path and ground at the base of the crag — if the ground is boggy or damp, treat it as confirmation that the rock is still too wet internally.
Do Not Climb
88%
10 days ago
Crookrise has received nearly 100mm of rain over the past 28 days with frequent wet spells, and today itself has seen 1.6mm of precipitation — the rock is almost certainly still holding significant internal moisture. Despite the south-facing aspect and strong winds, the relentless cycle of rain every few days has prevented any meaningful drying window, and the gritstone will be structurally weakened.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise is BMC-owned and carries a particular responsibility for climbers to protect the rock — damage from wet climbing here directly affects a community asset.
- The 3.5km walk-in across open moorland means the approach will be boggy and waterlogged after the prolonged wet spell, which itself is an indicator that the rock has not dried.
- South-facing aspect and exposed position are strong drying advantages, but these have been negated by rain arriving every 1–3 days throughout March and into April.
- At 320m altitude with overnight temperatures dropping near or below freezing (e.g. -3.4°C on March 26, -0.5°C on April 2), freeze-thaw cycling on saturated gritstone is a real concern for structural integrity.
Warnings
3
- Gritstone at Crookrise is almost certainly structurally weakened from prolonged saturation — climbing risks permanent hold breakage on this BMC-owned crag.
- Freeze-thaw cycling on saturated rock at 320m with overnight temperatures near 0°C creates additional risk of sudden hold failure.
- The surface may appear dry in wind and sun while the interior remains dangerously saturated — do not be deceived by surface appearance.
Reasoning
With 19.1mm in the last 7 days spread across multiple events (including 8.3mm on March 29 and rain on 5 of the last 7 days), and no consecutive dry day run exceeding 1 day, the gritstone is almost certainly saturated well beyond the critical 1% threshold internally.
Although the strong SW/W winds (20–45 km/h) and south-facing aspect would normally promote rapid surface drying, rain has fallen on almost every day in the past two weeks, preventing any sustained drying period — the minimum 48–72 hours of dry weather required after heavy cumulative rain has not been achieved.
With ~97mm of rain in 28 days and repeated wetting-drying cycles combined with overnight frost events (multiple nights near or below 0°C), the gritstone is at elevated risk of hold breakage and freeze-thaw damage, particularly on the upper exposed sections.
Early April in northern England at 320m is a transitional period where overnight frosts are still common, temperatures remain cool (average 5.8°C over the past week), and the prolonged winter wetness means deep rock moisture has had insufficient warm dry weather to fully evaporate.
Contributing Factors
8
Rain has fallen on 5 of the last 7 days totalling 19.1mm, with no window of 48+ consecutive dry hours to allow meaningful drying of the porous gritstone.
Nearly 97mm over the past month — including a 25.6mm event on March 24 — means the rock has been repeatedly re-saturated before any previous drying could complete.
1.6mm recorded today resets any drying progress, meaning zero consecutive dry days heading into the forecast period.
Average humidity of 86% over the past week severely limits evaporation rates, meaning even wind and sun cannot efficiently remove moisture from the rock.
Sustained winds of 20–46 km/h on an exposed edge significantly aid surface evaporation once rain stops, which is Crookrise's main drying advantage.
The south-facing orientation maximises solar gain in spring, helping warm the rock surface and promote evaporation — but this advantage is moot when rain keeps arriving.
Multiple overnight temperatures near or below 0°C in March/April on saturated rock (likely above the 60% critical saturation threshold) creates active freeze-thaw damage risk.
Average temperature of only 5.8°C over the past week means evaporation rates are low, and deep rock moisture will be very slow to migrate to the surface.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Crookrise today — the rock has been repeatedly wetted with no adequate drying window and will be structurally weakened.
- Monitor the forecast for April 6–8 which shows a promising dry window with lower humidity and warmer temperatures — this could open a viable climbing window if no further rain arrives.
- On arrival for any future visit, check the ground at the base of the crag: if the peat and soil are still waterlogged, the rock is almost certainly still damp internally.
Do Not Climb
90%
11 days ago
Crookrise is receiving rain today (4.8mm) on top of a very wet recent period — 20mm in the last 7 days and over 105mm in the last 28 days. The gritstone will be thoroughly saturated internally and is unsafe to climb on despite any surface drying that may occur between showers.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise is BMC-owned and climbers have a particular responsibility to protect this community asset; climbing on wet grit here risks permanent damage to an irreplaceable bouldering venue.
- The 3.5km walk-in across open moorland means boggy, waterlogged approach conditions are likely after this prolonged wet spell — check footwear and plan accordingly.
- South-facing aspect and exposed position are significant advantages for drying, but they cannot compensate for the cumulative saturation from repeated rain events over the past month.
- At 320m altitude with overnight lows near or below freezing (down to -3.4°C recently and -2.0°C forecast on April 6), freeze-thaw cycles on saturated gritstone pose a real structural damage risk.
Warnings
3
- Gritstone at this saturation level is structurally compromised — climbing risks permanent hold breakage and irreversible route damage to this BMC-owned crag.
- Freeze-thaw cycles are actively occurring with overnight lows near 0°C on saturated rock, compounding structural weakness.
- The moorland approach will be very boggy; navigation in poor visibility requires care on the 3.5km walk-in.
Reasoning
The rock is almost certainly saturated internally: 4.8mm fell today, 20mm in the last 7 days with no consecutive dry days, and 105mm over 28 days — this prolonged wetting will have driven moisture deep into the porous gritstone.
Despite the south-facing aspect and strong winds, there has been no meaningful dry window — the longest dry spell was March 17–23 (7 days) but this was followed by heavy rain on March 24 (25.6mm) and further repeated wetting since, leaving no opportunity for the rock to dry out internally.
With pore saturation likely well above the 60% critical threshold and overnight temperatures oscillating around 0°C, the risk of freeze-thaw damage and hold breakage is significant; gritstone at this saturation level can lose 30%+ of its compressive strength.
Early spring in northern England brings unpredictable conditions; the recent pattern of repeated rain interspersed with brief dry spells and near-freezing nights is typical and particularly damaging for porous gritstone.
Contributing Factors
6
4.8mm falling today with 20mm in the last week and no consecutive dry days means the rock has had zero opportunity to begin meaningful drying.
Over 105mm in 28 days with rain on most days has driven moisture deep into the gritstone, requiring an extended dry period to reverse.
Average humidity of 86% over the last 7 days and 92% today severely limits evaporative drying even when it isn't raining.
Overnight lows near or below 0°C (with -2.0°C forecast on April 6) on saturated rock create active freeze-thaw damage conditions above the 60% critical saturation threshold.
The south-facing orientation and exposed position will aid future drying once a sustained dry window arrives, but this cannot offset current saturation.
Very strong winds forecast for April 4-5 (44-49 km/h) will help surface drying once rain stops, though internal moisture will persist much longer.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock is wet from today's rain and deeply saturated from weeks of repeated wetting.
- Monitor conditions from April 6 onwards; if the forecast dry spell holds and humidity drops, a visit on April 7 may be worth assessing in person.
- On arrival after any dry spell, check the base of the crag and surrounding ground — if the moorland soil at the crag base is damp, the rock is certainly still wet internally.
Do Not Climb
55%
12 days ago
Despite today being dry with lower humidity (73%), the rock has had insufficient drying time after a very wet recent period — 25.6mm on March 24, followed by repeated rain events through March 30, and trace precipitation on March 31 and April 1. With only ~1 full dry day, high background humidity, and cool temperatures, the gritstone is very likely still holding internal moisture despite potentially appearing dry on the surface.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise's south-facing aspect and exposed position are working in its favour today, but the 3.5km moorland walk-in crosses saturated ground — if the peat and ground at the crag base is wet, the rock almost certainly is too.
- The crag sits at 320m on open moorland where overnight temperatures have been dropping near or below freezing (1.5°C min today, -3.4°C on March 26), raising freeze-thaw concerns given the likely internal moisture from recent heavy rain.
- BMC-owned since 2017, Crookrise is a conservation-priority site; climbing on damp gritstone here risks permanent damage to the 242 boulder problems and could set a poor precedent at this publicly managed crag.
- Seepage and drainage from the moorland above can keep the base of the edge damp well after surface rock appears dry — check lower sections carefully as these will be last to dry.
Warnings
3
- The rock surface may appear dry while internally retaining dangerous levels of moisture from the prolonged wet spell — do not be fooled by surface appearance.
- Overnight temperatures near or below freezing combined with internal moisture create active freeze-thaw damage risk to holds.
- Nearly 100mm of rain in 28 days means the moorland and crag are deeply saturated; this BMC-owned crag deserves extra care.
Reasoning
The rock has been subjected to nearly 100mm of rain over 28 days, with significant events on March 24 (25.6mm), March 29 (8.3mm), and March 30 (3.0mm), plus trace amounts on March 31 and April 1 — the gritstone is almost certainly still holding substantial internal moisture.
Only ~1 genuinely dry day has elapsed since the last trace rain (April 1 evening saw 0.2mm), and the average humidity over the last 7 days is 85% with temperatures averaging only 5.3°C — these are very poor drying conditions despite the south-facing aspect and moderate wind exposure.
With likely internal saturation well above 1% and overnight temperatures dropping near freezing, there is meaningful risk of both strength-reduced hold breakage and freeze-thaw damage to the porous Millstone Grit.
Early spring conditions at 320m mean limited solar intensity, short effective drying windows, and overnight temperatures still flirting with freezing — all of which slow drying and increase freeze-thaw vulnerability.
Contributing Factors
7
Nearly 100mm over 28 days including 25.6mm on March 24 and 8.3mm on March 29 means deep saturation of the porous gritstone.
Only about 1 consecutive dry day since trace rain on April 1 evening, far short of the 48–72+ hours needed after heavy rain on porous rock.
Average humidity of 85% over the last 7 days severely limits evaporative drying, even with wind.
Average temperature of 5.3°C over the past week with overnight lows near freezing provides minimal thermal energy to drive moisture out of the rock.
The south-facing orientation and exposed hilltop position give Crookrise the best possible drying conditions for its altitude, and today's lower humidity (73%) and westerly breeze will help.
Overnight minimum of 1.5°C today and recent sub-zero nights (e.g. -3.4°C on March 26) combined with likely internal moisture create active freeze-thaw risk.
Today is forecast dry with 73% humidity and moderate 12 km/h westerly wind, which will contribute to surface drying through the day.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for at least 48 hours of dry weather with humidity below 80% before climbing — the earliest realistic window may be April 6 if the forecast holds, but check updated forecasts.
- If you walk in today, use the ground moisture test: if the peat and soil at the base of the crag is damp, do not climb regardless of how the rock surface looks.
- Use any visit to enjoy the moorland setting and scout problems rather than climb — Crookrise will still be there when conditions are genuinely good.
Climbing Outlook