Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Yesterday's rain (7.3mm, last falling around 10am on 12th April) was followed by a dry afternoon and overnight period with moderate winds on a south-facing crag. The rock surface is likely mostly dry by this afternoon, but the sheltered position, tree canopy drips, and a very wet preceding fortnight warrant on-site verification before committing to climb.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Tree canopy above the upper left section of the crag can cause persistent dripping for many hours after rain has stopped — check this area carefully and consider avoiding it today.
- The sheltered Borrowdale valley position means wind-assisted drying is slower than the moderate 15–20 km/h southerly winds might suggest on a more exposed crag.
- The south/south-west aspect will catch afternoon sun today (if cloud breaks), which is the primary drying mechanism for this crag — conditions will improve through the day.
- Nearly 200mm of rain in the last 28 days means the surrounding ground and vegetation are saturated, increasing the chance of seepage and localised dampness even on non-porous rock.
Warnings
2
- The Brown Slabs involve delicate friction-dependent slab climbing — even a slight film of moisture on volcanic rock dramatically reduces friction and increases fall risk on these routes.
- Check BMC RAD for any active bird nesting restrictions at Quayfoot Buttress, as April is within the peregrine and raven nesting season.
Reasoning
The rock received 7.3mm of rain yesterday (mostly before 11am on the 12th), and has had roughly 18–20 hours of dry weather since, but with high overnight humidity (80–85%) limiting evaporation.
The south-facing aspect and moderate southerly winds today (~15 km/h) should provide adequate drying for non-porous volcanic rock surfaces, but the sheltered valley position reduces effective airflow and the overnight period offered minimal drying.
Borrowdale Volcanic rock is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening when wet — there is no hold breakage or rock damage concern.
Early-to-mid April in the Lake District is still a transitional period with cool temperatures (averaging 8°C over the past week), limiting evaporation rates and meaning drying is slower than in summer months.
Contributing Factors
8
7.3mm fell on 12th April, mostly in the early hours and mid-morning, with the last measurable precipitation at 10am and a trace at 10pm.
Approximately 18+ hours dry since the main rain, with today forecast completely dry at 0.0mm — good drying window for non-porous rock.
The south/SW aspect maximises solar drying during April daylight hours, which is the crag's primary advantage for quick drying.
The sheltered position in Borrowdale reduces wind-assisted evaporation despite 15 km/h southerly winds being recorded.
198mm in 28 days and 38mm in 7 days means surrounding ground and vegetation are saturated, increasing seepage and drip risk on the crag.
Humidity at 74% today is moderate for the Lakes — not ideal for rapid drying but not prohibitively high either.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water, so only surface moisture needs to evaporate — no internal dampness concern.
4.8mm forecast for 14th April means today's dry window is the only opportunity before further wet weather arrives.
Recommendations
3
- Visit in the afternoon to maximise drying time from the south-facing sun, and physically touch the rock surface before climbing — it should feel completely dry and grippy.
- Avoid the upper left section near the tree canopy, which is known for persistent drips after wet periods; focus on the Brown Slabs area which is more open.
- Bring a towel and be prepared to walk away — more rain arrives tomorrow, so if conditions aren't right today, the next good window may not come until the 17th or later.
Previous Analyses
Do Not Climb
70%
2 days ago
Quayfoot Buttress received 5mm of rain today on top of 22.5mm yesterday, with zero consecutive dry days — the rock will be wet or damp right now. Although this south-facing BVS crag dries quickly, the sheltered valley position and recent persistent rainfall mean surface moisture is very likely still present.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The tree canopy above the upper left section will continue dripping for hours after rain stops, keeping that area damp well after the main face has dried.
- Quayfoot's sheltered Borrowdale valley position reduces wind-assisted drying despite its south-facing aspect, so it needs calm dry spells rather than relying on wind alone.
- The Brown Slabs area relies on friction-dependent slab climbing where even trace moisture dramatically reduces grip on the normally excellent BVS texture.
- The past two weeks have seen repeated heavy rainfall events (221.6mm in 28 days), meaning the surrounding ground and tree canopy are saturated and will contribute ambient moisture and drips.
Warnings
2
- The Brown Slabs area is heavily friction-dependent; even a thin moisture film makes these routes dangerously slippery on what are otherwise straightforward grades.
- Tree canopy drips can persist for many hours after rain stops, particularly on the upper left section of the crag.
Reasoning
With 5mm today and 22.5mm yesterday, the rock surface is almost certainly wet or damp, and the sheltered position means moisture lingers longer than on exposed crags.
Despite the south/SW aspect catching good sun, the sheltered valley position and moderate winds (~27 km/h SW) are insufficient to dry the crag same-day given ongoing rain today.
BVS rhyolite is non-porous and suffers no structural weakening when wet — there is no risk of hold breakage or rock damage from climbing in damp conditions.
Early April in the Lakes brings short and often weak sunshine periods, cool temperatures (~8–9°C), and high ambient humidity (80% today), all slowing surface drying.
Contributing Factors
7
5mm today following 22.5mm yesterday means the rock is currently wet with no drying window.
There has been no sustained dry period to allow proper surface drying.
The sheltered Borrowdale setting reduces wind-assisted evaporation, prolonging surface dampness.
The S/SW aspect maximises solar gain and will aid drying once the rain stops, but this benefit is unrealised today.
80% humidity today and a wet 28-day period (221.6mm) keep the ambient environment damp and slow evaporation.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water so will dry from surface evaporation alone, making recovery relatively quick once rain stops.
The classic Brown Slabs routes rely heavily on friction, making even slight dampness a significant safety concern.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least one full dry day with sunshine before attempting the friction-dependent slab routes at Quayfoot.
- If visiting tomorrow (April 13), visually and physically check the rock surface — especially the upper left section beneath the tree canopy — before committing to climb.
- Consider nearby steeper crags in Borrowdale that are less friction-dependent if you must climb during marginal conditions.
Do Not Climb
90%
3 days ago
Quayfoot Buttress has received nearly 20mm of rain today and is currently wet; despite its quick-drying reputation, the sheltered valley position and ongoing precipitation make climbing unsafe right now. The past two weeks have been persistently wet with over 200mm of rain in 28 days, and the forecast offers no meaningful dry window in the coming days.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The tree canopy above the upper left section will cause prolonged dripping well after rain stops, keeping parts of the crag wet for longer than the open south-facing slabs.
- Despite being one of the quickest-drying crags in Borrowdale, the sheltered valley position reduces air circulation and slows evaporation compared to more exposed crags at similar altitude.
- The Brown Slabs area relies heavily on friction for delicate slab climbing — even a thin film of residual moisture on the volcanic rock will dramatically reduce grip on these low-angle routes.
- Borrowdale has received exceptionally heavy rainfall over the past month (217mm in 28 days), meaning the surrounding ground and vegetation are saturated, contributing to higher ambient humidity and potential seepage.
Warnings
2
- The crag is currently wet from significant rainfall today — climbing on wet slab routes is a serious slip hazard.
- The forecast shows no reliable dry window over the next five days; conditions are unlikely to improve significantly this week.
Reasoning
The crag is currently wet from 19.6mm of rain today, following a persistently wet period with only brief dry spells over the past two weeks.
Although the south-facing aspect aids drying, the sheltered position significantly limits wind-assisted evaporation, and with strong southerly winds today the rain is likely being driven onto the face; a full dry day with sun would be needed to dry the rock.
Non-porous Borrowdale Volcanic rhyolite does not suffer structural damage when wet — the rock itself is not at risk.
Early spring conditions with moderate temperatures (7°C today) and high cumulative rainfall mean drying capacity is limited, and daylight hours, while increasing, are still modest for solar drying.
Contributing Factors
7
19.6mm of precipitation today means the rock surface is actively wet with no drying time.
Over 200mm in the past 28 days with very few consecutive dry days means the surrounding environment is saturated, contributing to seepage and high ambient moisture.
The sheltered Borrowdale valley setting limits airflow across the crag, slowing surface evaporation despite today's stronger winds.
The S/SW aspect maximises solar exposure when the sun appears, giving this crag above-average drying potential for a Lake District venue.
Rhyolite does not absorb water, so once rain stops and the surface dries, the rock can be climbable relatively quickly.
The next five days show continued light-to-heavy precipitation with no consecutive dry period long enough for reliable drying.
The tree canopy above the upper left section will continue to drip for hours after rain ceases, keeping portions of routes wet.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the crag is actively wet and friction on the slab routes will be dangerously poor.
- Monitor conditions closely; if a full dry day with sunshine materialises, Quayfoot can dry within hours and may become climbable at short notice.
- If visiting Borrowdale in the coming days, consider checking the Brown Slabs area first as the open south-facing section dries fastest, but avoid the upper left routes near the tree canopy.
Do Not Climb
45%
4 days ago
Despite Quayfoot's reputation as a quick-drying crag, 7.6mm of rain yesterday (April 9) followed by only 0.9mm today with high humidity means the rock is likely still damp in places, particularly under the tree canopy. The sheltered position limits wind-assisted drying, and with 22mm of rain forecast tomorrow, conditions are not set to improve imminently.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The tree canopy above the upper left section will still be dripping from yesterday's 7.6mm rain and today's 0.9mm, and the sheltered valley position limits airflow needed to dry these areas.
- Brown Slabs rely heavily on friction — even a thin film of residual moisture on these delicate slab routes dramatically increases the risk of slipping on the fine-grained BVS rock.
- Quayfoot's south-facing aspect is catching some sun today (8.2°C, southerly wind), which helps surface drying on exposed faces, but the sheltered nature of the crag means drying is slower than the aspect alone would suggest.
- The recent pattern of repeated wet spells (213mm in 28 days) means ground saturation is high and seepage from the hillside above may be feeding moisture onto the crag even between rain events.
Warnings
2
- Slab routes at Quayfoot can feel deceptively dry on the surface while retaining a thin moisture film — test friction thoroughly before committing to any move above gear.
- Heavy rain (22mm) is forecast for tomorrow; do not plan for a multi-day trip relying on Quayfoot this weekend.
Reasoning
Rain yesterday (7.6mm) and light precipitation today (0.9mm) mean the rock surface is likely still damp, particularly on shaded sections and under the tree canopy where drips persist.
Today's southerly wind at 23 km/h and south-facing aspect provide reasonable drying conditions, but the sheltered valley position and only partial day of drying since yesterday's rain mean full surface drying is uncertain.
BVS rhyolite is non-porous and does not suffer structural damage when wet — the risk here is entirely about friction loss on damp surfaces, not hold breakage.
Early April in the Lakes is transitional with unpredictable weather; the 28-day total of 213mm reflects a very wet period, and overnight frost risk (min 2.6°C today) could leave icy patches on shaded rock in early morning.
Contributing Factors
8
7.6mm fell on April 9 with a further 0.9mm today, leaving insufficient dry time for confident surface drying even on non-porous rock.
The S/SW aspect catches good solar radiation today, aiding evaporation on exposed faces during the afternoon.
Despite 23 km/h southerly wind at altitude, the sheltered Borrowdale valley position significantly reduces effective airflow across the crag face.
Known persistent drips from the tree canopy above the upper left section will still be active after yesterday's rain.
Today's 69% humidity is the lowest in several days and assists surface evaporation, though not dramatically low.
22mm forecast for April 11 means any marginal drying achieved today will be completely reversed, making today the last possible window before another wet spell.
213mm over 28 days indicates saturated ground above the crag, increasing the likelihood of seepage and runoff feeding moisture onto the rock.
Brown Slabs and other delicate slab routes at Quayfoot are particularly sensitive to any residual moisture since they depend almost entirely on friction.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for a longer dry spell — with 22mm forecast tomorrow, the next realistic window may be April 14 which is forecast dry with warming temperatures.
- If you do visit today, test friction carefully on low-level holds before committing to any route, and avoid the upper left section under the tree canopy entirely.
- Consider nearby alternative activities such as the Bowder Stone bouldering (which is more exposed to wind) or indoor options in Keswick if conditions prove too damp.
Do Not Climb
45%
5 days ago
Today has seen 2.2mm of rain with high humidity (81%) and overcast skies, meaning the rock is likely damp right now. Although Quayfoot Buttress is one of the quickest-drying crags in the Lakes, the sheltered position and current conditions mean reliable friction cannot be guaranteed today.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The tree canopy above the upper left section will cause persistent drips well after rain stops, so that area should be avoided even if the main slabs appear dry.
- Quayfoot's south-facing aspect is a major asset, but today's overcast skies and SW wind limit solar drying — the sheltered valley position compounds this by reducing airflow across the rock face.
- Brown Slabs relies heavily on friction for delicate slab climbing at accessible grades — even a thin film of residual moisture makes these routes significantly more dangerous than steeper featured routes would be.
- The crag had an excellent dry spell from April 6–8 (three fully dry days with warm temps up to 16.7°C), but today's rain has reset surface conditions.
Warnings
2
- Slab routes like Brown Slabs can be treacherously slippery when damp — a friction-dependent fall on wet rhyolite can result in serious injury.
- Check BMC RAD for any active bird nesting restrictions at this crag during the spring nesting season (February–June).
Reasoning
Today's 2.2mm of rain on a day with 81% humidity and overcast skies means the rock surface is currently wet or damp, despite the non-porous nature of the rhyolite.
The south-facing aspect would normally aid rapid drying, but the sheltered valley position, high humidity, and cloud cover today are limiting evaporation — the rock needs a few hours of sun and breeze to dry reliably after today's rain.
Borrowdale Volcanic rhyolite is non-porous and extremely hard; there is no risk of structural damage or hold breakage from moisture.
Early April in the Lakes is transitional — days are lengthening and solar angle improving, but temperatures remain cool and Borrowdale receives frequent frontal rainfall; the 252mm over 28 days reflects a very wet late March/early April period.
Contributing Factors
7
Light rain today means the rock surface is currently wet, negating the good drying achieved over the previous three dry days.
Elevated humidity slows surface evaporation, meaning any dampness will linger longer even on non-porous rock.
The sheltered Borrowdale valley setting reduces wind exposure across the crag face, limiting convective drying despite the 20.9 km/h regional wind reading.
The S/SW aspect maximises solar gain when the sun is out, which is the crag's greatest drying asset — but cloud cover today limits this benefit.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water, so once rain stops and conditions improve, surface drying can be rapid (hours rather than days).
The excellent drying from April 6–8 had the rock in good shape, but today's rain has re-wetted the surface, resetting the clock.
The classic Brown Slabs routes are friction-dependent slab climbs where even slight dampness dramatically increases the risk of a slip.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for tomorrow (April 10) which is forecast nearly dry with lower humidity (67%) and a southerly breeze — conditions should be significantly better by late morning.
- If you do visit today, physically test friction on the lower holds before committing to any route, and avoid the upper left section beneath the tree canopy where drips persist.
- Consider nearby alternative activities today and return to Quayfoot on the next dry morning when the south-facing aspect can do its work.
Likely Safe to Climb
88%
6 days ago
Quayfoot Buttress has had three consecutive dry days with warm temperatures (up to 16.7°C) and low humidity, following only light rain on April 5th. The south-facing, non-porous Borrowdale Volcanic rock should be thoroughly dry and offering excellent friction today.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The tree canopy above the upper left section can cause lingering drips even after the main face has dried — check this area before committing to routes there.
- The sheltered Borrowdale valley position means wind-assisted drying is limited, but three warm dry days with strong solar gain on the south-facing aspect more than compensate.
- Brown Slabs relies on delicate friction moves — even slight residual moisture or condensation would make these routes feel significantly harder and riskier.
- Early April means the sun angle is improving but days are still moderate length; the crag will lose direct sun by mid-to-late afternoon, so aim for a midday session for best warmth and friction.
Warnings
1
- Rain is forecast from tomorrow (April 9th) onwards — conditions will deteriorate significantly and this dry window is short-lived.
Reasoning
Three consecutive dry days with peak temperatures reaching 16.7°C and humidity dropping to the low 40s yesterday afternoon mean the non-porous volcanic rock surface should be completely dry.
Despite the sheltered position, two full days of warm sunshine on the south-facing aspect (April 6–7) with humidity as low as 38% provide ample drying time for non-porous rhyolite, which typically needs only hours to dry.
Borrowdale Volcanic rhyolite is non-porous and extremely hard; there is no structural risk from recent wet weather, and freeze-thaw is not a concern at current temperatures.
Early April in the Lakes is transitional — the recent warm spell is unusually favourable, but rain returns tomorrow; today represents an excellent weather window before conditions deteriorate.
Contributing Factors
6
No measurable precipitation since April 5th (4.0mm), giving ample time for non-porous rock surfaces to dry completely.
Yesterday reached 16.7°C with humidity as low as 38%, providing excellent evaporative drying conditions on the south-facing aspect.
The S/SW aspect has received strong direct solar radiation over the past two sunny days, accelerating surface drying.
The sheltered position limits wind-assisted drying, but this is offset by the extended warm dry spell and is not a concern after three dry days.
260.8mm over 28 days is very wet, but non-porous rhyolite does not absorb water, so only surface moisture matters and this has had ample time to evaporate.
7.6mm forecast for April 9th with further rain through to the 13th means today is the last good window before a prolonged unsettled spell.
Recommendations
3
- Climb today if possible — this is a clear weather window before rain returns tomorrow and persists through the week.
- Check the upper left section beneath the tree canopy for any residual drips before climbing routes in that area.
- Carry a towel for any localised damp patches and aim to climb during the midday hours when the south-facing rock is warmest and driest.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
65%
8 days ago
The last measurable rain was scattered light showers yesterday (4mm total on April 5th), with the final drops around 19:00. Today is dry with moderate southerly winds, low humidity (72%), and good temperatures (11°C), giving roughly 17+ hours of drying on non-porous volcanic rock with a favourable south-facing aspect — likely enough for main face surfaces, but the sheltered position and tree canopy drips introduce uncertainty that warrants on-site verification.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Tree canopy above the upper left section can cause persistent drips well after rain has stopped — check this area carefully even if the main slabs look dry.
- Quayfoot's sheltered Borrowdale valley position means wind-assisted drying is reduced compared to more exposed crags, despite the favourable south-facing aspect.
- The Brown Slabs area relies heavily on friction — even a thin residual moisture film from yesterday's showers could make delicate slab moves dangerous.
- The prolonged wet spell (nearly 300mm in 28 days) means the surrounding ground, vegetation, and any seepage lines will be thoroughly saturated, potentially contributing localised dampness.
Warnings
1
- The Brown Slabs require excellent friction for safe climbing — even a thin moisture film on these delicate slabs can make moves unexpectedly dangerous; do not commit to slab routes unless the rock feels genuinely grippy.
Reasoning
Light showers yesterday totalling ~4mm ended around 19:00, giving approximately 17 hours of drying overnight and this morning on non-porous BVS rock; the main south-facing surfaces are likely dry or nearly so, but sheltered sections and areas beneath tree canopy may retain dampness.
The south/south-west aspect and today's sunshine with 11°C temperatures and moderate southerly wind favour rapid surface drying, but the crag's sheltered valley position limits airflow and slows evaporation compared to exposed venues.
Borrowdale Volcanic rhyolite does not absorb water or suffer structural weakening — there is no risk of hold breakage from moisture, even after the very wet preceding weeks.
Early April in the Lakes means shorter drying windows, cool overnight temperatures (down to 2.4°C), and saturated ground from a prolonged wet March — conditions are improving but remain marginal for reliable drying.
Contributing Factors
7
Scattered showers on April 5th deposited ~4mm, with the last precipitation at 19:00, giving only overnight drying so far.
No precipitation today, 11.3°C max, 72% humidity, and moderate southerly wind are good drying conditions for south-facing rock.
The S/SW aspect maximises solar gain through the day, accelerating surface evaporation on non-porous rock.
The sheltered Borrowdale valley setting reduces wind-assisted drying, meaning surfaces take longer to dry than at exposed crags.
Nearly 300mm over the past 28 days has thoroughly saturated surrounding vegetation and soil, increasing ambient moisture and potential for seepage or drips.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water, so surface moisture is the only concern and drying is faster than on porous rock types.
Overhanging trees above the upper left section are known to cause persistent drips after rain, potentially keeping parts of the crag damp.
Recommendations
3
- Visit later in the day (afternoon) to maximise solar drying time on the south-facing surfaces, and physically touch the rock before committing to climb.
- Avoid the upper left section beneath tree canopy where drips are known to persist — focus on the main Brown Slabs area which should dry fastest.
- Check the BMC RAD for any bird nesting restrictions at Quayfoot before visiting, as peregrine and raven restrictions can apply across Borrowdale from February to June.
Do Not Climb
35%
9 days ago
Quayfoot Buttress has received 2.2mm of rain today on top of a very wet recent period (nearly 300mm in 28 days), with zero consecutive dry days recorded. Although the rock is non-porous and south-facing, the sheltered valley position and persistent recent moisture mean surfaces are very likely still damp — we recommend waiting for the promising dry spell forecast for April 6–7.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The tree canopy above the upper left section will cause prolonged dripping after today's rain and the heavy rain on April 3–4, even after open surfaces appear dry.
- Quayfoot's sheltered Borrowdale valley position limits air movement across the rock face, significantly slowing evaporation despite the favourable south-facing aspect.
- Brown Slabs relies on delicate friction climbing where even slight residual moisture dramatically reduces grip on the otherwise excellent BVS rock.
- The crag sits low at ~100m near the valley floor where cold, damp air pools overnight in spring — morning condensation is very likely at current temperatures.
Warnings
2
- Friction-dependent slab climbing on Brown Slabs is particularly dangerous when damp — even a thin moisture film on BVS rock can cause unexpected foot slips on these delicate routes.
- The saturated tree canopy above the upper left section may drip for 12–24 hours after the last rain, creating localised wet patches that may not be obvious from below.
Reasoning
With 2.2mm of rain today, 7.6mm yesterday, and 24.5mm on April 3, the rock surface is almost certainly wet or damp right now, compounded by 87% average humidity over the past week.
Despite strong westerly winds today (34 km/h), the sheltered position of Quayfoot means the crag itself sees limited airflow, and the south-facing aspect provides only modest solar input on a cool 5°C April day — insufficient drying time has elapsed since today's rain.
Borrowdale Volcanic rhyolite is non-porous and structurally unaffected by moisture; there is no risk of hold breakage or rock damage from climbing when wet.
Early April in the Lake District brings short drying windows, cold overnight temperatures promoting condensation, and the valley floor location makes Quayfoot susceptible to morning damp even after nominally dry days.
Contributing Factors
7
2.2mm fell today following 7.6mm yesterday and 24.5mm on April 3, leaving rock surfaces wet with no meaningful dry window.
The crag's sheltered location in Borrowdale limits wind-assisted drying despite 34 km/h winds recorded at exposed stations.
The S/SW aspect catches available sun and provides the best drying potential of any aspect at this time of year.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water and will dry quickly once rain stops and conditions allow, with no structural risk from moisture.
Nearly 300mm in 28 days means the surrounding ground, drainage seeps, and tree canopy are saturated, prolonging ambient moisture around the crag.
Today's maximum of only 5.4°C limits evaporative drying and increases the likelihood of condensation forming on cool rock surfaces.
Known tree cover above the upper left section will produce persistent dripping well after rain stops, especially given the saturated canopy.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for the dry spell forecast on April 6–7: the combination of sunshine, southerly winds, and warming temperatures (up to 14°C) should provide excellent drying conditions on this south-facing crag.
- If visiting on April 6, target afternoon climbing to allow maximum solar drying time, and visually check the Brown Slabs area before committing — especially the upper left section near the tree canopy.
- Check BMC RAD for any peregrine nesting restrictions at Quayfoot Buttress and nearby Borrowdale crags before visiting, as the February–June nesting season is in full effect.
Do Not Climb
85%
10 days ago
Quayfoot Buttress is currently wet following 5mm of rain today on top of 24.5mm yesterday and persistent rainfall over the past week (65.5mm in 7 days). Despite being non-porous volcanic rock with a south-facing aspect, the crag has had zero consecutive dry days and the sheltered valley position will impede drying even with today's strong southerly winds.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The tree canopy above the upper left section will cause persistent dripping for hours after rain stops, even when the main face appears dry.
- The sheltered Borrowdale valley position, while pleasant for climbing, significantly reduces wind-assisted drying compared to more exposed crags — the strong 45 km/h southerly today will be largely deflected by the valley walls.
- Brown Slabs relies on delicate friction climbing where even a thin film of moisture drastically reduces grip on the normally excellent BVS rock.
- The past 28 days have seen nearly 300mm of rain, meaning surrounding ground and vegetation are saturated, contributing to ambient moisture and potential seepage even on non-porous rock.
Warnings
2
- The friction-dependent slab routes on Brown Slabs are extremely dangerous when damp — even a thin moisture film invisible to the eye can cause sudden foot slips on low-angle rock.
- Tree canopy drips on the upper left section can persist for many hours after rain stops and may not be obvious until you are on the route.
Reasoning
The rock surface is almost certainly wet today given 5mm of rain falling on a day with 82% humidity, following 24.5mm yesterday and a cumulative 65.5mm over the past week.
Despite strong southerly winds (45 km/h) and a south-facing aspect, the sheltered valley position means effective wind speed at the crag face is much lower, and zero consecutive dry days means no meaningful drying window has occurred.
BVS rhyolite is non-porous and suffers no structural weakening when wet — there is no risk of hold breakage or rock damage from climbing in these conditions.
Early April in the Lakes is still a marginal period with cool temperatures (averaging 6.7°C over the past week), high humidity (83% average), and short effective drying windows — conditions are not yet reliably warm enough for rapid recovery after heavy rain.
Contributing Factors
8
5mm of precipitation today means the rock surface is actively wet or has been wet very recently with no drying window.
24.5mm yesterday and 65.5mm over the past 7 days have kept the crag and surroundings thoroughly saturated.
There has been no dry spell to allow surface moisture to fully clear, with rain recorded on most of the last 10 days.
Despite strong winds aloft, the sheltered Borrowdale valley position limits effective airflow across the rock face, slowing evaporation.
The S/SW aspect catches good solar radiation when the sun appears, which will aid drying once rain stops.
Average humidity of 83% over the past week and 82% today significantly retards surface evaporation.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water so will dry relatively quickly once conditions allow — no extended internal drying needed.
Temperatures averaging just 6.7°C over the past week provide limited thermal energy to drive evaporation.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least one full dry day with low humidity before visiting — the forecast suggests April 7th may be the first realistic opportunity.
- If visiting Borrowdale in the coming days, check the Brown Slabs area carefully for residual moisture, especially the upper left section beneath the tree canopy.
- Consider carrying a towel and checking UKC or local social media for up-to-date condition reports before making the journey.
Do Not Climb
90%
11 days ago
Quayfoot Buttress received 20mm of rain today and has had nearly 60mm in the past week, with zero consecutive dry days. Despite being non-porous volcanic rock that dries relatively quickly, the crag is currently wet and conditions are unsuitable for climbing.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The tree canopy above the upper left section will cause prolonged dripping well after rain stops, even when the main face appears dry.
- Quayfoot's sheltered valley position, while pleasant, means reduced airflow that slows surface drying — the 21 km/h SW wind today will have limited effect in this protected spot.
- The south-facing aspect is beneficial but March/April sun angles are still relatively low and daylight drying hours are limited, especially with the valley sides blocking early/late sun.
- The Brown Slabs area relies heavily on friction for delicate slab climbing — even a thin moisture film on volcanic rock makes these routes dangerously slippery at their grade.
Warnings
2
- The delicate slab climbing on Brown Slabs becomes extremely hazardous when damp — even a thin moisture film removes the friction these routes depend on.
- Persistent ground saturation from 290mm of rain in 28 days means seepage and drips may appear from unexpected places even after the surface appears dry.
Reasoning
With 20mm of rain today on top of a very wet week (59.3mm in 7 days, 290mm in 28 days), the rock surface and surrounding ground are thoroughly saturated, and the crag will be actively wet.
Despite the south/south-west aspect, the sheltered valley position significantly limits wind-assisted drying, and with rain falling today there has been no drying window — the crag needs at least a full dry day with reasonable wind to clear surface moisture and residual seepage.
Non-porous BVS rhyolite is not at risk of structural damage from moisture, so rock conservation is not a concern here.
Early April in the Lakes means short drying windows, low sun angles, cool temperatures averaging 6.5°C, and high ambient humidity (82% average this week) — all of which slow surface drying considerably.
Contributing Factors
7
20mm of precipitation today means the crag is actively wet with zero dry hours to begin drying.
Nearly 60mm in the past 7 days and 290mm over 28 days has left the ground and surroundings thoroughly waterlogged, contributing to seepage and prolonged dampness.
Although wind is 21.6 km/h regionally, Quayfoot's sheltered valley position significantly reduces effective airflow across the rock face.
86% humidity today and an 82% weekly average inhibit evaporation from the rock surface.
The south/south-west aspect maximises solar gain during any dry spells, making this one of the fastest-drying crags in Borrowdale.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water, so once rain stops and conditions allow, surface drying can occur within hours rather than days.
The tree cover above the upper left section will cause persistent dripping long after rain ceases, keeping sections of the crag wet.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the crag is actively wet and friction on the volcanic slabs will be dangerously poor.
- Wait for at least one full dry day with wind before visiting; the earliest realistic window is April 6th if the forecast holds.
- On arrival after a dry spell, check the upper left section beneath the tree canopy carefully for residual drips before committing to routes in that area.
Climbing Outlook