Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Crookrise is thoroughly saturated after a prolonged wet spell — nearly 87mm over the last 28 days with repeated heavy rain events, including 10.3mm today. The forecast shows continued rain every day through at least June 21st, meaning no meaningful drying window exists for the coming week.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise's south-facing, exposed aspect is normally a major drying advantage, but with near-continuous rainfall and humidity above 85% for the past week, even this favourable aspect cannot compensate.
- The 3.5km moorland walk-in means the crag sits on saturated peat and heather; ground moisture will be feeding humidity at the rock face and prolonging internal saturation.
- Despite being BMC-owned with free access, the gritstone bouldering here is irreplaceable — the community expectation is absolutely no climbing on damp rock.
- Seepage and drainage from the moorland above can persist for days after rain stops, keeping the base of problems wet even when upper sections appear dry.
Warnings
2
- The gritstone has been repeatedly saturated over weeks — even if the surface appears dry, internal moisture will severely compromise hold strength and climbing risks permanent damage.
- Do not be tempted by any brief dry windows today or this week; the cumulative saturation requires an extended drying period before the rock is safe to climb.
Reasoning
The rock is almost certainly fully saturated internally — 26.5mm in the last 7 days across multiple rain events, with 10.3mm falling today and humidity at 92%, leaves no possibility of adequate drying.
Although the south-facing, exposed aspect normally aids drying, the last genuinely dry period was June 14–15 (only trace precipitation) which followed 11.1mm on June 11 and repeated soakings — the rock never had time to dry before being re-wetted today.
With prolonged saturation over weeks, the gritstone will be at significantly reduced compressive strength (potentially 30%+ loss), and grain cohesion will be compromised — climbing risks permanent hold breakage and accelerated erosion.
Early June should offer good drying conditions, but this has been an exceptionally wet period; temperatures are below seasonal averages (10–15°C) which further slows evaporation.
Contributing Factors
6
86.8mm over 28 days with repeated soakings means the rock has been unable to dry out at any point, keeping internal saturation very high.
Heavy rain today has re-saturated any surface drying that may have occurred during the brief dry spell on June 14–15.
Average humidity of 85% over the last 7 days and 92% today severely limits evaporative drying even on an exposed south-facing crag.
Rain is forecast every day from June 17–21 (totalling ~20mm), preventing any meaningful drying window.
The south-facing, wind-exposed position is the best possible orientation for drying, but it cannot overcome persistent rain and high humidity.
Average temperatures around 11°C over the past week are below June norms, reducing evaporative drying capacity.
Recommendations
3
- Do not visit Crookrise until there have been at least 48–72 hours of continuous dry weather with humidity dropping below 75% — given the prolonged saturation, err towards the longer end.
- Monitor forecasts beyond June 22nd for a sustained dry spell; only the first dry day (June 22) currently shows zero precipitation, which is insufficient.
- Consider non-porous alternatives in the Yorkshire area (e.g. limestone at Malham or Kilnsey) if you need a climbing fix during this wet spell.
Previous Analyses
Do Not Climb
90%
2 days ago
Crookrise has received nearly 77mm of rain over the past four weeks, with significant rainfall on multiple days in the last two weeks and only one fully dry day before today. Despite the south-facing aspect and wind exposure, the rock will be thoroughly 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 grit here directly damages a community asset and undermines the trust that secures access.
- The 3.5km walk-in means conditions cannot be easily re-checked; committing to the approach in marginal conditions risks a wasted trip or temptation to climb on damp rock.
- South-facing aspect and exposed position are significant advantages for drying, but cannot overcome the cumulative saturation from ~77mm of rain spread across the last four weeks with almost no extended dry spells.
- Lower sections and any north-facing returns or gullies will retain moisture far longer than the main south-facing edge — even if the main face appears dry, these areas will be wet.
Warnings
2
- The rock surface may appear dry in places due to wind and south aspect, but internal saturation from weeks of rain makes climbing extremely damaging — do not be deceived by surface appearance.
- The forecast shows rain on each of the next 5 days, so conditions will not improve this week.
Reasoning
With 26.8mm in the last 7 days alone — including 11.1mm on June 11, 9.5mm on June 8, 10.4mm on June 9, and further rain on June 12, 13, and today — the gritstone will be deeply saturated internally despite any surface drying.
The only meaningful dry window has been June 14 (0.0mm) and most of today, giving roughly 36 hours of drying with moderate wind and temperatures around 11–15°C, which is far too short to dry porous gritstone after weeks of accumulated moisture.
Prolonged saturation over multiple weeks means the rock is likely at or near critical moisture levels throughout; climbing risks significant hold breakage and grain loosening on this Millstone Grit.
Early June should offer reasonable drying conditions, but this has been an exceptionally wet spell; temperatures averaging only 10.3°C over the past week are cool for the season and slow evaporation.
Contributing Factors
6
Nearly 77mm over 28 days with rain on most days in the last two weeks means deep, cumulative saturation of the porous gritstone.
Only ~36 hours since last measurable rain (0.3mm today, 2.6mm on June 12, 11.1mm on June 11), far short of the 48–72+ hours needed after heavy rain.
Average humidity of 84% over the last 7 days severely limits evaporation rates even with wind exposure.
South-facing aspect and exposed position at 320m give Crookrise above-average drying potential when dry weather arrives.
Average 10.3°C over the past week is well below typical June values, slowing evaporation and drying.
Nearly 19mm of additional rain is forecast over the next 5 days, preventing any meaningful drying window from developing.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Crookrise until an extended dry spell of at least 3–4 days with low humidity arrives, given the cumulative saturation from this prolonged wet period.
- Monitor forecasts for a sustained dry window — the south-facing aspect and wind exposure mean Crookrise will be one of the first gritstone venues to come into condition once rain stops.
- If visiting the area, consider non-porous alternatives (limestone in the Dales, whinstone) rather than risking damage to saturated gritstone.
Do Not Climb
30%
3 days ago
Despite Crookrise's favourable south-facing, exposed aspect, the past two weeks have seen persistent heavy rainfall (76mm in 28 days, 36mm in the last 7 days alone) with only one dry day since the last significant rain. The rock is almost certainly still holding substantial internal moisture and needs several more dry days before it can be considered safe to climb.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise has seen repeated soaking events (10mm+ on four separate days in the last two weeks), meaning the gritstone has been re-saturated multiple times with no meaningful drying window between them.
- The south-facing, exposed aspect and strong winds are significant positives for drying, but at 320m altitude temperatures have been cool (averaging only 10.3°C over the last week) which substantially slows evaporation.
- The 3.5km moorland walk-in means the surrounding peat and heather will be waterlogged, and seepage from the moor above the crag may continue to feed moisture into the rock even during dry spells.
- BMC-owned crag — climbers have a particular responsibility to protect this community asset; climbing on damp gritstone causes irreversible hold damage and accelerated erosion.
Warnings
3
- The rock surface may appear dry while the interior remains saturated — do not be deceived by a dry-looking surface after only one dry day following two weeks of heavy rain.
- Climbing on internally wet gritstone risks permanent hold breakage and route damage at this BMC-owned community crag.
- Moorland seepage from waterlogged ground above the crag may keep sections damp even after several dry days.
Reasoning
With 36mm of rain in the last 7 days across multiple events (including 11.1mm on June 11 and 10.4mm on June 9), the gritstone has been repeatedly saturated to near-maximum absorption with no adequate drying window, meaning internal moisture levels are very likely still dangerously high.
Only one full dry day has elapsed since the last rain (0.3mm on June 13), and while the south-facing aspect and moderate winds help, the cool temperatures (~12–16°C) and high humidity (77–86%) mean drying has been slow — far short of the 48–72+ hours needed after heavy cumulative rainfall.
Repeated saturation over two weeks means the gritstone is likely weakened by 30%+ in compressive strength, with significant risk of grain loosening and hold breakage, especially on well-trafficked boulder problems.
Early June should offer improving conditions, but this has been an unusually wet and cool spell; the prolonged moisture loading means the rock needs a longer drying window than a single summer shower would require.
Contributing Factors
6
76mm over 28 days with 36mm in the last week across multiple events has repeatedly saturated the porous gritstone, preventing any meaningful internal drying.
Just one full dry day since the last rain is far short of the 48–72+ hours minimum needed after heavy cumulative rainfall on gritstone.
Averaging only 10.3°C over the past week at 320m altitude significantly slows evaporation rates compared to warmer conditions.
Average humidity of 85% over the last week severely limits the atmosphere's capacity to draw moisture from the rock.
The south-facing orientation and exposed position provide above-average solar radiation and wind exposure, which are the best natural drying advantages this crag could have.
Winds of 17–25 km/h today and tomorrow will help accelerate surface drying, though internal moisture takes much longer to migrate outward.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — wait for at least 48–72 hours of continuous dry weather with low humidity before considering a visit.
- Monitor the forecast closely; if June 14–15 remain dry, conditions may become assessable by late June 16 at the earliest, though further rain is forecast that day.
- On arrival, check the ground at the crag base — if the peat and soil are damp, the rock is almost certainly still wet internally regardless of surface appearance.
Do Not Climb
92%
4 days ago
Crookrise has been subjected to a prolonged wet spell with 37.6mm in the last 7 days and 76.6mm over 28 days, with rain on most of the last 12 days including heavy falls on June 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, and 11. Despite the south-facing aspect and exposed position, the rock will be deeply saturated internally and today saw further light rain — conditions are clearly unsuitable for climbing.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise's south-facing, exposed position gives it above-average drying potential, but this cannot compensate for the cumulative saturation from nearly two weeks of repeated rainfall totalling over 37mm in 7 days.
- The 3.5km moorland walk-in means the surrounding peat and bog will be thoroughly waterlogged, and ground moisture at the crag base will be a reliable indicator of internal rock dampness.
- Despite being primarily a bouldering venue where falls are short, wet gritstone holds can snap unexpectedly under body weight, risking both injury and permanent damage to BMC-owned rock.
- Seepage and capillary moisture from the saturated moorland above the edge may continue to feed moisture into the rock even during dry spells between showers.
Warnings
2
- Do not climb on the gritstone even if the surface appears dry — after this prolonged wet spell the interior will remain saturated for days, with holds at serious risk of breakage.
- The moorland approach will be extremely boggy; waterproof footwear is essential for the walk-in.
Reasoning
The rock is almost certainly saturated internally given 37.6mm of rain in the last 7 days spread across multiple events, with the most recent rain today (0.5mm) and significant falls of 11.1mm on June 11 and 9.5mm on June 8 — there has been no meaningful dry window for drying.
Although the south-facing aspect and strong winds (20–37 km/h) aid surface drying, the persistent high humidity (averaging 86% over the last week) drastically limits net evaporation, and repeated re-wetting events have prevented any cumulative drying progress.
With prolonged saturation over nearly two weeks, the gritstone will have experienced significant compressive strength reduction (potentially 30%+), making holds — especially smaller edges and flakes — vulnerable to breakage under climbing loads.
Early June temperatures averaging only 10.3°C are below seasonal norms, slowing evaporation; while freeze-thaw is not a concern, the cool, humid, and persistently wet pattern is unusually poor for the time of year.
Contributing Factors
6
37.6mm over the last 7 days across at least 7 rain days, with no dry window exceeding 24 hours, has deeply saturated the rock.
Average humidity of 86% over the last week severely limits evaporation even when it is not actively raining.
Light rain (0.5mm) today means the consecutive dry day count is zero, resetting any surface drying.
The south-facing, wind-exposed position gives Crookrise the best possible drying characteristics for a Yorkshire grit crag, but this cannot overcome the current saturation.
Temperatures averaging just 10.3°C over the past week are well below summer norms and significantly slow evaporation rates.
Sustained winds of 20–37 km/h at this exposed site help surface evaporation, though high humidity limits their drying effect.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for at least 48–72 hours of continuous dry weather with humidity below 75% before considering a visit — this is unlikely before June 16 at the earliest.
- Check conditions at the base of the crag on arrival: if the ground is damp or boggy (very likely given recent moorland saturation), assume the rock is still wet internally.
- Monitor the forecast carefully — the predicted heavy rain on June 17 (12.4mm) will reset drying progress, so any window around June 15–16 will be marginal at best.
Do Not Climb
92%
5 days ago
Crookrise has received over 41mm of rain in the past 7 days across multiple events, with the most recent rainfall today (4mm on 12 June) and 11mm yesterday. Despite the south-facing aspect and strong winds, the rock is almost certainly saturated internally and needs several consecutive dry days before climbing is appropriate.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise has experienced a prolonged wet spell from 1–12 June with cumulative rainfall of ~77mm over 28 days, meaning internal moisture levels will be exceptionally high despite any surface drying.
- The south-facing aspect and exposed position with strong westerly winds (up to 40 km/h today) are significant drying advantages, but cannot overcome same-day or next-day rainfall on saturated gritstone.
- The 3.5km moorland walk-in means the ground and surrounding peat will be waterlogged, and seepage from the moor above may feed moisture to the crag base for days after rain stops.
- At 320m altitude, temperatures have been cool (averaging ~10.5°C over the past week), which significantly slows evaporative drying even with good wind exposure.
Warnings
2
- Gritstone that has been repeatedly re-wetted over 10+ days will retain significant internal moisture even when the surface appears dry — do not trust surface appearance alone.
- Hold breakage risk is elevated due to prolonged saturation reducing compressive strength by potentially 30%+ — climbing now risks permanent damage to BMC-owned routes.
Reasoning
The rock is almost certainly saturated or near-saturated internally, given 41mm of rain over the past 7 days across at least 6 rain events with no meaningful dry window, plus 4mm of rain today.
Despite the south-facing aspect and strong winds (20–40 km/h), zero consecutive dry days and persistent high humidity (87% average) mean no effective drying period has occurred; even the best drying conditions cannot compensate for repeated re-wetting.
With the gritstone likely at or above 60% pore saturation from prolonged wet weather, compressive strength is significantly reduced, and climbing risks hold breakage and permanent surface damage.
Early June temperatures have been well below seasonal norms (averaging 10.5°C vs typical ~15–17°C), further inhibiting drying; however, freeze-thaw is not a concern at current temperatures.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 41mm in the past 7 days across multiple rain events with no dry window, keeping the rock repeatedly re-wetted and deeply saturated.
4mm of rain fell today, meaning the drying clock has not even started and the surface is currently wet.
Average humidity of 87% over the past week severely limits evaporative drying, even with wind.
Averaging only 10.5°C over the past week — well below June norms — which slows moisture evaporation from the rock.
The south-facing orientation and exposed moorland position with strong winds provide the best possible drying conditions for this rock type.
Winds of 20–40 km/h help move moist air away from the rock surface, accelerating surface drying once rain stops.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today or tomorrow — the rock is wet from today's rain and deeply saturated from the prolonged wet spell.
- Monitor conditions from 14–15 June; if the forecast dry window holds and humidity drops, an on-site assessment may become worthwhile by the 15th or 16th.
- Before committing to the 3.5km walk-in, check that the ground at the crag base is sandy-dry — if the peat and soil are still damp, the rock will be too.
Do Not Climb
95%
6 days ago
Crookrise is currently receiving persistent rain today (8.1mm) on top of a very wet 10-day spell totalling nearly 60mm, with humidity at or near 100%. The gritstone will be thoroughly saturated internally and conditions are clearly unsafe for climbing.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise's south-facing, exposed position normally aids fast drying, but the prolonged wet spell since June 1st (~70mm in 11 days) means the rock is deeply saturated beyond what surface drying can quickly resolve.
- The 3.5km moorland walk-in means the approach itself will be boggy and unpleasant after this much rain — wet peat and saturated ground underfoot.
- As a bouldering venue with no routes above gear, falls onto wet moorland landings increase the risk of slipping on pads and ankle injuries.
- BMC-owned crag — climbing on saturated gritstone here risks permanent damage to an irreplaceable community asset; the ethics are especially clear-cut.
Warnings
2
- The gritstone is deeply saturated from 10+ days of near-continuous rain — climbing now risks permanent hold breakage and route damage.
- Today's persistent rain and 100% humidity make conditions dangerous for both rock integrity and climber safety on wet surfaces.
Reasoning
The rock is fully saturated after receiving approximately 60mm of rain since June 1st with virtually no meaningful dry intervals, compounded by persistent humidity above 85% throughout the period.
Despite the south-facing aspect and exposed position with strong winds, the continuous re-wetting every 1–2 days has prevented any cumulative drying, and today's all-day rain at near-100% humidity ensures zero evaporation.
With deep saturation from prolonged wetting, gritstone compressive strength is reduced by 30%+ and holds are at serious risk of breakage — climbing now would cause irreversible damage.
Early June temperatures averaging only 10°C are below seasonal norms, slowing evaporation; however, freeze-thaw risk is negligible at this time of year.
Contributing Factors
6
Approximately 60mm has fallen since June 1st with rain on nearly every day, deeply saturating the porous gritstone well beyond surface level.
Today is forecast to deliver 8.1mm of rain spread across most daylight hours, with humidity at 95–100% all day.
Average humidity over the past 7 days is 86% and today reaches 100%, meaning essentially no net evaporation is occurring.
The 7-day average of 10.1°C is well below June norms, significantly reducing evaporation rates.
The south-facing, exposed position will help accelerate drying once a sustained dry window arrives, but this advantage is currently negated by continuous rain.
Further rain is forecast on June 12th (1.4mm) and June 13th (3.0mm) before a potential dry spell begins on June 14th.
Recommendations
3
- Do not visit Crookrise until at least June 16th — the rock needs a minimum of 48 hours of dry weather after June 13th's rain to begin surface drying, and internal moisture will persist longer.
- Check ground conditions on arrival: if the peat at the crag base is still damp, the rock is certainly too wet internally regardless of surface appearance.
- Consider non-porous alternatives (limestone, whinstone) in the interim if you need a climbing fix this week.
Do Not Climb
95%
8 days ago
Crookrise has received over 36mm of rain in the last 7 days with rain falling on most days including today, and the rock will be thoroughly saturated internally despite any brief dry spells. With continued heavy rain forecast through June 12th, there is no realistic drying window in the near future.
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 they cannot overcome the relentless recent rainfall and high humidity (averaging 86% over 7 days).
- The 3.5km walk-in across open moorland in wet, windy conditions at 320m altitude adds practical discomfort and means the ground and approach will be sodden, a good indicator the rock is wet too.
- BMC ownership since 2017 means climbers have a direct stewardship responsibility — climbing on saturated gritstone here damages a community-owned asset.
- At 320m altitude, temperatures have been notably cool (averaging ~10.7°C over the past week), significantly slowing any evaporation between rain events.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on saturated gritstone risks permanent hold breakage and route damage — this is a BMC-owned site and climbers bear direct responsibility for its preservation.
- The rock surface may appear dry during brief sunny intervals while remaining dangerously weakened internally — do not be misled by surface appearance.
Reasoning
The rock is almost certainly fully saturated internally given 36mm of rain over the last 7 days with precipitation on 6 of those 7 days, plus an additional 6.9mm today — cumulative wetting with no meaningful drying intervals.
Although the south-facing aspect and strong winds (24–30 km/h) would normally promote rapid drying, the lack of any consecutive dry days, persistent high humidity (86% average), and cool temperatures (~10.7°C) mean virtually no net drying has occurred between rain events.
With the gritstone likely near full saturation, compressive strength could be reduced by 30% or more, creating serious risk of hold breakage and permanent route damage on this high-quality bouldering venue.
Early June should offer improving conditions, but this spell of unsettled weather with cool temperatures and persistent rainfall is atypical and has kept the rock in a prolonged wet state more characteristic of autumn.
Contributing Factors
7
Over 36mm in the last 7 days across 6 rain days with no consecutive dry period means the rock has had no opportunity to begin meaningful drying.
Average humidity of 86% over the past week severely limits evaporative drying even during dry hours.
Average temperatures around 10.7°C with maxima barely reaching 15°C slow evaporation rates significantly compared to typical summer conditions.
Approximately 6.9mm of rain is falling today with showers throughout the morning and afternoon, adding fresh moisture to already saturated rock.
Sustained winds of 22–30 km/h on this exposed edge would accelerate drying once rainfall ceases, but cannot overcome ongoing precipitation.
The south-facing orientation maximises solar drying potential, but persistent cloud cover (80–100%) has negated this advantage recently.
An additional 27mm is forecast over the next 3 days (June 10–12), which will maintain or worsen the current saturation.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Crookrise until at least 48–72 hours of dry weather with dropping humidity have passed after the last rain — realistically no earlier than June 15th.
- Check the ground at the base of the crag on arrival: if the soil and peat are still damp, the gritstone will be wet internally even if the surface looks dry.
- Monitor conditions for mid-to-late June when the forecast shows potential for a sustained dry spell with warmer temperatures.
Do Not Climb
95%
9 days ago
Crookrise has received over 41mm of rain in the last 7 days with significant precipitation today (11.6mm), and the rock will be thoroughly saturated. Despite the south-facing aspect and exposed position, the persistent wet spell with high humidity means the gritstone has had no meaningful drying opportunity and climbing would risk both safety and permanent crag damage.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise is BMC-owned — climbers have a particular responsibility to protect this community asset by not climbing on wet rock.
- The 3.5km walk-in across open moorland will be boggy and unpleasant after this prolonged wet spell, and ground conditions at the base will clearly indicate saturated rock.
- South-facing aspect and exposed position are major advantages for drying, but they cannot compensate for the sustained multi-day soaking the crag has received since June 1st.
- At 320m altitude the temperatures have been notably cool (averaging ~11°C over the last week), further slowing any drying between rain events.
Warnings
2
- The gritstone is deeply saturated from over 50mm of rain in the past month — surface drying during brief dry spells does NOT indicate the rock is safe to climb.
- Climbing on saturated gritstone causes permanent, irreversible damage through hold breakage and accelerated erosion — this is a BMC-owned crag that belongs to the climbing community.
Reasoning
The rock is comprehensively saturated after 41.3mm of rain over the past 7 days with virtually no dry windows — the gritstone will be at or near full saturation throughout its depth.
Despite the south-facing aspect and strong winds (22–29 km/h), persistent rainfall every 1–2 days combined with 86% average humidity has prevented any meaningful drying cycle from completing.
With the rock near full saturation, compressive strength will be reduced by 30%+ and climbing risks hold breakage, grain loosening, and permanent erosion damage to this quality gritstone.
Early June temperatures of only 11–13°C are well below seasonal norms, reducing evaporation rates and prolonging the drying period needed after this extended wet spell.
Contributing Factors
7
Over 41mm in the last 7 days with rain on 6 of those 7 days means the rock has been repeatedly re-wetted with no drying window.
11.6mm of rain today, mostly falling overnight and through the morning, has thoroughly re-soaked the rock surface and replenished internal moisture.
Average humidity of 86% over the last week severely limits evaporative drying even during dry hours.
Averaging only 11.2°C over the past week — well below June norms — significantly slows evaporation and drying.
The south-facing aspect and exposed moorland position give Crookrise above-average drying potential, but this advantage is overwhelmed by the current sustained wet conditions.
Winds of 22–30 km/h aid surface evaporation, but cannot overcome the continual re-wetting and high humidity.
14.3mm forecast for June 9th will further saturate already-soaked rock, resetting any drying that occurs this afternoon.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Crookrise until at least 48–72 hours of dry weather with low humidity has occurred — realistically not before mid-to-late next week at the earliest.
- Monitor the forecast closely: the current unsettled pattern with rain forecast through June 12th means conditions are unlikely to improve before June 14th or beyond.
- If visiting the area, consider non-porous alternatives such as limestone venues in the Yorkshire Dales which can be climbed when wet without structural damage.
Do Not Climb
95%
10 days ago
Crookrise has received over 40mm of rain in the last 7 days with no consecutive dry days, and today has seen further rainfall with very high humidity (88%). The rock will be thoroughly saturated internally despite any surface drying, and the forecast offers no meaningful dry window over the next 5 days.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise's south-facing aspect and exposed position normally aid rapid drying, but the sustained spell of wet weather with persistently high humidity (87–94%) over the past week has negated these advantages.
- The 3.5km moorland walk-in means the surrounding peat and heather will be waterlogged, and ground moisture will contribute to a humid microclimate around the crag base.
- As a BMC-owned site with outstanding gritstone bouldering, there is a strong ethical imperative to protect holds and routes from the accelerated erosion caused by climbing on saturated rock.
- Seepage from the moorland above can persist for days after prolonged rain at gritstone edges like this, feeding moisture into cracks and horizontal breaks even after the surface appears dry.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on saturated gritstone risks permanent hold breakage and irreversible route damage — Crookrise is a BMC-owned heritage site that deserves particular care.
- The rock surface may appear deceptively dry during brief dry spells between showers, but internal saturation will remain dangerously high after this prolonged wet period.
Reasoning
With 40.6mm of rain over the past 7 days — including 10.2mm on June 2, 10.3mm on June 4, and further rain on every subsequent day — the gritstone will be deeply saturated well beyond the critical 1% threshold where significant strength loss begins.
Despite the south-facing aspect and exposed wind, there have been zero consecutive dry days and humidity has averaged 89% over the past week, meaning virtually no effective drying has occurred between rain events.
At this saturation level, gritstone holds are at serious risk of breakage — compressive strength will be reduced by 30%+ and grain cohesion will be severely compromised, making any climbing likely to cause permanent damage.
Although early June should offer good drying conditions, this spell of cool, wet, and humid weather is behaving more like autumn; temperatures averaging only 11.6°C further slow evaporation rates.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 40mm in the last 7 days with rain on every single day means the rock is deeply and thoroughly saturated.
There has been no dry interval to allow any meaningful drying between rain events since June 1.
Humidity averaging 89% over the past week means evaporation rates have been negligible, preventing any surface or internal drying.
Temperatures averaging only 11.6°C significantly slow evaporative drying compared to typical early summer conditions.
These factors normally aid drying substantially but are rendered ineffective by the persistent rain and high humidity.
An additional 30mm is forecast over the next 5 days with no dry window longer than one day, meaning conditions will not improve.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Crookrise until there have been at least 48–72 hours of dry weather with humidity below 75% — this is unlikely before mid-June at the earliest.
- Check the ground at the crag base on any future visit: if the peat and soil are damp, the rock is certainly still wet internally regardless of surface appearance.
- Consider visiting a limestone or non-porous venue instead during this prolonged wet spell, as these rock types do not suffer the same structural damage when damp.
Do Not Climb
95%
11 days ago
Crookrise is thoroughly saturated after receiving over 40mm of rain in the past week, with today adding another 6.3mm. The forecast shows continued rain every day for at least the next five days, meaning the rock has no opportunity to dry and conditions will remain unsafe throughout this period.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise's south-facing, exposed aspect normally provides excellent drying, but this advantage is completely negated by the sustained rain and high humidity of the past week and the incoming forecast.
- The 3.5km moorland walk-in means conditions at the crag may be even wetter than weather station data suggests, as drainage from the moor above can add seepage to the rock.
- As a BMC-owned site with quality gritstone bouldering, there is a strong ethical responsibility to avoid climbing on wet rock — damage here affects a communal asset.
- At 320m altitude, temperatures are running cool (11–14°C) which further slows any drying between rain events.
Warnings
2
- The rock is deeply saturated and structurally compromised — climbing now risks permanent hold breakage and route damage on this BMC-owned crag.
- Surface drying during brief dry spells is deceptive; the interior will remain saturated for days after rain stops given the cumulative moisture loading.
Reasoning
The rock is almost certainly fully saturated internally after 41.7mm of rain in the past 7 days across multiple events (June 1–6), with humidity consistently above 90% and no meaningful dry interval.
Despite being south-facing and wind-exposed, there have been zero consecutive dry days and humidity has averaged 88% over the past week — effectively preventing any significant evaporative drying between rain events.
Gritstone at this saturation level will have lost 30–50% of its compressive strength, making hold breakage a serious risk; climbing now would cause permanent damage to the rock.
Early June should offer improving conditions, but this prolonged wet spell with cool temperatures (averaging only 11.6°C) is behaving more like an autumn pattern, and the forecast shows no relief for at least five more days.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 40mm of rain in the past week across multiple events has thoroughly saturated the porous gritstone, with today adding another 6.3mm.
Humidity has averaged 88% over the past week with peaks at 93–94%, effectively preventing any evaporative drying between rain events.
There has been no dry window since May 30th — rain has fallen on six of the last seven days, meaning the rock has had no opportunity to begin drying.
Average temperatures of only 11.6°C over the past week are well below seasonal norms and significantly slow any potential drying.
Rain is forecast every day from June 7–11, totalling another 25.8mm, which will maintain or worsen the current saturation.
Normally these are strong drying advantages, but they are irrelevant when rain and high humidity are continuous with no dry break.
Recommendations
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- Do not visit Crookrise until there has been at least 48–72 hours of dry weather with humidity below 75% — which is unlikely before mid-June at the earliest.
- Monitor the forecast closely; the earliest realistic window may be June 12 onwards if the forecast dry day holds and extends.
- If you are set on climbing this week, consider non-porous alternatives such as limestone venues in the Yorkshire Dales which are structurally safer when damp, though still slippery.
Climbing Outlook