Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Raven Crag has been subjected to a prolonged wet spell with nearly 242mm of rain in the last 28 days and further rain today and throughout the coming week; the rock is almost certainly damp and seepage lines will be running. Despite a brief dry window mid-afternoon today, persistent 100% cloud cover, near-saturation humidity, and ongoing drizzle mean reliable friction cannot be expected.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The left side of the crag has known seepage lines that will be actively running after this extended wet period — these can take several dry days to clear even on non-porous rock.
- At 280m with 100% cloud cover all day, the crag is very likely in low cloud or mist, negating any solar drying benefit from the south aspect.
- The exceptionally wet recent period (over 240mm in 28 days) means groundwater and drainage from above the crag will be feeding moisture onto the rock face for some time even after rain stops.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll means conditions can be checked quickly without a major commitment, which is useful once a genuine dry window arrives.
Warnings
2
- Multi-pitch routes on damp volcanic rock present serious slip hazard — the excellent friction Raven Crag is known for disappears when the rock is wet.
- Low cloud at crag height (280m) is very likely given current conditions; visibility may be poor and route-finding difficult on the upper pitches.
Reasoning
The rock surface is almost certainly wet or damp given 4mm of rain today, drizzle through the morning, near-100% humidity, and only a few hours of marginal drying conditions this afternoon.
Despite the south-facing aspect and moderate wind, continuous 100% cloud cover eliminates solar drying, and humidity at 80–100% throughout the day severely limits evaporation — surface moisture will linger.
Rhyolite is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so hold breakage is not a concern.
Early June should offer good conditions, but this has been an unusually prolonged wet spell; the extended saturation of surrounding ground and turf above the crag means seepage will persist well beyond the last rainfall.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 240mm in 28 days with significant events on June 1 (42mm), June 3 (35mm), June 4 (63mm), June 8 (30mm), and June 11 (21mm) have thoroughly saturated the ground and crag drainage systems.
Intermittent drizzle and light rain through the morning with further showers forecast from late afternoon, yielding approximately 4mm total today.
Humidity at 85–100% with 100% cloud cover all day prevents effective solar drying and keeps the rock surface from losing moisture.
Known seepage on the left side of the crag will be running heavily given the cumulative rainfall, and drainage from saturated ground above will continue feeding moisture onto the face.
The south-facing orientation would normally aid rapid drying, but this benefit is entirely negated by persistent full cloud cover and high humidity.
SW winds at 15–18 km/h provide some air movement across the face which marginally aids surface drying during any dry interludes.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock will be damp and friction unreliable on this volcanic rock, especially on the slabbier routes.
- Wait for at least two consecutive dry days with sunshine and lower humidity before visiting; the seepage lines on the left side may need even longer.
- Monitor the forecast for June 22 onward, which shows the first sign of a potential dry spell — check conditions in person given the short approach.
Previous Analyses
Marginal — Assess Conditions
50%
2 days ago
After a prolonged wet spell (238mm in 28 days) with the last significant rain on 11 June (21mm), the crag has had roughly 3–4 days of lighter or dry weather but with persistently high humidity and overcast skies limiting drying. The south-facing, non-porous volcanic rock should have shed surface water, but seepage lines and residual dampness in sheltered areas are likely; a careful on-site assessment is essential before committing to climb.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The left side of the crag has known seepage lines that persist well after heavy rain — given 238mm in the last 28 days, these are very likely still running.
- At 280m with 100% cloud cover forecast all day, the crag may be in or near the cloud base, reducing solar drying and potentially leaving surfaces damp with condensation.
- The south/SE aspect is favourable for drying, but persistent overcast conditions and high humidity (72–85% today) significantly reduce the benefit of the aspect.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll makes it feasible to walk up, assess conditions, and retreat without a major time commitment if the rock is too damp.
Warnings
3
- Friction on BVS rock drops dramatically when damp — test friction on lower holds before committing to committing moves, especially on slab pitches.
- Cloud base may envelop the crag at 280m today given 100% cloud cover; reduced visibility and condensation on the rock surface are possible.
- A further 65mm of rain is forecast over the next 5 days — conditions will deteriorate significantly from tomorrow onwards.
Reasoning
The crag received heavy rainfall recently (21mm on 11 June, plus trace amounts on 12–13 June and today), and while the non-porous BVS rock won't absorb water, persistent high humidity (82% average over 7 days) and overcast skies will have slowed surface evaporation and kept seepage lines active.
There have been about 2 truly dry days (14–15 June) with moderate winds (15–19 km/h) and a south-facing aspect, which should have dried exposed surfaces, but 100% cloud cover today negates much of the solar benefit and humidity remains high.
Non-porous Borrowdale Volcanic rock does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so hold breakage risk is negligible regardless of recent saturation.
Mid-June conditions should be approaching peak season, but this has been an exceptionally wet spell for the Lakes; ground saturation will sustain seepage lines for days beyond the last rain event.
Contributing Factors
7
238mm in 28 days with multiple heavy events (42mm, 35mm, 63mm, 30mm) has thoroughly saturated the hillside and will sustain seepage for days.
Only 2 substantially dry days (14–15 June) since the last significant rain, insufficient to fully dry seepage lines on a saturated hillside.
Humidity averaging 82% over the past week with 100% cloud cover today significantly slows surface evaporation.
BVS volcanic rock does not absorb water, so exposed surfaces will dry quickly once sun and wind reach them — no structural damage risk.
The S/SE aspect maximises solar gain during any breaks in cloud, accelerating surface drying relative to north-facing crags.
Partial wind exposure with 15–16 km/h today helps evaporate surface moisture, though less effective in high humidity.
9.2mm forecast for 16 June followed by further rain through to 20 June means any current drying window is short-lived.
Recommendations
3
- If climbing today, target the afternoon window (14:00–17:00) when humidity is lowest (~64–67%) and the most drying will have occurred, but visually inspect every pitch for dampness before committing.
- Avoid the left side of the crag entirely — known seepage lines will almost certainly be active given the extreme recent rainfall totals.
- Consider postponing to 21 June or later when the forecast shows a dry day after the incoming wet spell, but be prepared for seepage lines to persist even then.
Do Not Climb
40%
3 days ago
Despite today being dry, the crag has received nearly 240mm of rain in the past 28 days with 67mm in the last week alone, including heavy falls of 63mm, 42mm, and 30mm in recent days. Only one consecutive dry day is insufficient to clear persistent seepage lines, and the forecast promises more rain from tomorrow onwards.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The left side of the crag has known seepage lines that persist well after heavy rain — these will almost certainly be running after the prolonged wet spell.
- Despite the favourable south/SE aspect, the recent exceptional rainfall totals (237mm in 28 days) will overwhelm normal drying advantages, with water draining through cracks and vegetation above the crag.
- Low cloud frequently envelops the crag at 280m even when the valley floor is clear — high humidity (83% average this week) will significantly slow surface drying.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll is an advantage for checking conditions in person, but climbers should be prepared to walk away if seepage is visible.
Warnings
2
- Active seepage lines are highly likely across the crag, creating serious slip hazards on multi-pitch routes where a fall could have severe consequences.
- The forecast shows no meaningful drying window in the coming week — conditions are unlikely to improve before at least June 20th.
Reasoning
With 67mm in the last 7 days including 21mm just three days ago and only one dry day since, the rock surface is very likely still damp in sheltered areas and seepage lines will be active.
The south-facing aspect and moderate wind today (19 km/h NW) will help exposed surfaces dry, but one day of drying after such a prolonged wet period is far too little to clear seepage and shaded features on a 280m mountain crag.
Rhyolite/BVS rock is non-porous and not at risk of structural damage, but friction — the key asset of this rock type — is dramatically reduced when damp.
Early June should be prime season, but this has been an exceptionally wet spell; vegetation and turf above the crag will be saturated and feeding water onto routes for days to come.
Contributing Factors
7
237mm over 28 days with multiple heavy events (63mm, 42mm, 35mm, 30mm) has thoroughly saturated the ground and crag drainage systems.
A single dry day is insufficient to dry a mountain crag after such sustained rainfall, especially with persistent seepage lines.
Average humidity of 83% over the past week severely inhibits evaporation and surface drying.
The S/SE aspect maximises solar radiation in June, which helps surface drying on exposed faces.
Partial wind exposure and today's 19 km/h NW breeze assist surface evaporation on open faces.
The forecast shows rain returning tomorrow and building to heavy falls (12–16mm) by mid-week, so any drying progress will be reversed.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water, so exposed surfaces can dry relatively quickly once rain stops and humidity drops.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — one dry day after this level of rainfall is insufficient, and seepage lines on the left side will almost certainly be running.
- Wait for a sustained dry spell of at least 2–3 consecutive dry days with lower humidity before attempting routes here.
- If you are in the valley and keen to climb, consider low-level bouldering on well-drained, wind-exposed BVS boulders where you can directly verify dryness before committing.
Do Not Climb
70%
4 days ago
Raven Crag has been subjected to an exceptionally wet period — nearly 240mm in the last 28 days with 79mm in the last week alone — and today saw further rain with high humidity. Despite the south-facing aspect and non-porous rock, persistent seepage lines and saturated ground surroundings mean the crag is very likely to have damp patches and poor friction today; we recommend waiting for a drier spell.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The left side of the crag has known seepage lines that persist for days after heavy rain, and with nearly 80mm in the past week these will almost certainly be running.
- The south/SE aspect does receive good solar radiation when the sun appears, but with humidity averaging 85% over the past week, evaporative drying has been significantly impaired.
- Low cloud frequently envelops the crag at 280m even when the valley floor is clear — in the current unsettled pattern this is highly likely and will prevent solar drying.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll means conditions can be assessed quickly without a major commitment — worth checking in person if the forecast improves by June 15th.
Warnings
2
- Friction on BVS rock drops dramatically when damp — even a thin moisture film can make normally excellent holds treacherously slippery on multi-pitch routes.
- Active seepage lines from the prolonged wet spell may cross otherwise dry-looking routes, creating unexpected wet sections mid-pitch.
Reasoning
With 79mm in the last 7 days including heavy falls on June 4th (63mm), 8th (30mm), and 11th (21mm), plus further rain today, the crag surface and seepage lines will be thoroughly wet despite the non-porous rock type.
Zero consecutive dry days, persistently high humidity (85% average), and moderate temperatures (~10°C) mean evaporative drying has been minimal; even the south-facing aspect cannot compensate for the relentless moisture input.
Rhyolite/BVS rock does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so hold breakage is not a concern — the risk is purely friction loss on damp surfaces.
Early June should offer reasonable drying conditions, but this has been an unusually wet and cool spell for the time of year, with temperatures well below seasonal norms and humidity persistently above 80%.
Contributing Factors
7
238mm in 28 days and 79mm in the last week represents an exceptionally saturated period, keeping seepage lines active and surfaces damp.
Average humidity of 85% over the past week severely inhibits surface evaporation even on non-porous rock.
Zero consecutive dry days today, with rain recorded on most of the last 10 days, means the crag has had no meaningful drying window.
The S/SE aspect receives good solar radiation and will aid rapid drying once a genuine dry spell arrives.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water so will dry quickly once rain stops and humidity drops — no multi-day internal drying required.
Partial wind exposure with 20–30 km/h westerly winds will assist surface drying once precipitation ceases.
Averaging just 10.4°C over the past week — well below June norms — reduces evaporation rates.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for at least one full dry day with lower humidity before climbing; the forecast suggests June 15th may offer a viable window — assess conditions on arrival.
- Avoid routes on the left side of the crag where seepage lines are known to persist longest after prolonged wet weather.
- If visiting on a promising day, bring approach shoes for the short walk-in so you can check conditions without committing, and have alternative lower-level plans ready.
Do Not Climb
30%
5 days ago
Raven Crag has been subjected to an exceptionally wet period — over 230mm in the last 28 days with heavy falls on June 1, 3, 4, 8, and 11 — and has had zero consecutive dry days. Despite being non-porous volcanic rock with a favourable south aspect, persistent seepage lines and surface moisture are highly likely given the relentless rain, high humidity, and cool temperatures.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The left side of the crag has known seepage lines that persist well after heavy rain, and with 80mm in the past week alone these will almost certainly be running.
- The south/SE aspect and partial wind exposure are favourable for drying, but average temperatures of only 10.5°C and humidity around 86% over the last week severely limit evaporative drying.
- Low cloud frequently sits on the crag even when the valley below is clear — at 280m in a prolonged wet spell this is a real concern and would keep surfaces damp.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll means it is easy to walk up and visually check conditions before committing, which is advisable given the current uncertainty.
Warnings
2
- Multi-pitch trad routes on damp volcanic rock carry serious friction-loss risk — a slip high on a route with trad protection could have severe consequences.
- Seepage lines after this volume of rain may persist for several days even in dry weather; do not assume a single dry day means the crag is ready.
Reasoning
With 80.5mm in the last 7 days, 42mm on June 1, 35mm on June 3, 63mm on June 4, and further significant falls on June 8, 9, and 11, the crag surface and all seepage lines will be saturated and actively wet.
Zero consecutive dry days, high humidity (86% average), cool temperatures (~10.5°C), and only partial wind exposure mean that despite the south aspect, meaningful drying has not occurred between repeated soakings.
Non-porous BVS rhyolite does not suffer structural damage when wet — the risk is entirely friction loss on damp surfaces, which is significant on multi-pitch trad routes.
Early June should offer reasonable drying potential, but this has been an unusually wet and cool spell for the season; conditions are more reminiscent of autumn than early summer.
Contributing Factors
8
Over 80mm in the past 7 days and 237mm in 28 days, with multiple heavy events exceeding 30mm, has kept the crag perpetually wet.
There have been no consecutive dry days leading into today, meaning the crag has had no sustained drying window.
Average humidity of 86% over the past week drastically slows surface evaporation even on non-porous rock.
Average temperatures of only 10.5°C provide limited evaporative energy for drying at 280m altitude.
The S/SE aspect receives good solar radiation through the day, which is the crag's best drying asset when the sun breaks through.
Today's strong westerly wind (35 km/h) and tomorrow's (33 km/h) will help strip surface moisture if rain pauses.
The left side of the crag has persistent seepage lines that will be actively flowing after this prolonged wet spell.
At 280m in a high-humidity regime, low cloud may envelop the crag even when the valley appears clear, keeping surfaces damp.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for at least 24–36 hours of genuinely dry weather with lower humidity before committing to climb; the crag needs a proper drying window.
- If visiting, walk up to the crag base and visually inspect the rock surface and seepage lines before gearing up — the short approach makes this easy.
- Avoid routes on the left side of the crag where seepage lines are most persistent; right-side routes with better drainage may dry first.
Do Not Climb
95%
6 days ago
Raven Crag is currently saturated after an extremely wet period — nearly 80mm in the last 7 days and over 230mm in the last 28 days — with persistent rain falling throughout today. The rock will be thoroughly wet with active seepage, making friction negligible and climbing unsafe.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Known seepage lines on the left side of the crag will be running heavily after this prolonged wet spell and are unlikely to dry for several days even after rain stops.
- The crag sits at 280m and can be enveloped in low cloud even when the valley floor is clear — 100% cloud cover is forecast all day today, further suppressing any drying.
- Despite the favourable south/SE aspect, the sustained rainfall totals (63mm on June 4th, 42mm on June 1st, 30mm on June 8th, 17.6mm today) have overwhelmed normal drying capacity.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll makes it easy to walk up and visually assess conditions on improving days before committing to climb.
Warnings
3
- The rock will be extremely slippery with near-zero friction — multi-pitch routes on wet BVS rock at this crag pose a serious fall risk.
- Seepage lines from the saturated hillside above will persist for days after rain stops, potentially affecting routes across the crag.
- Low cloud at 280m is likely today and tomorrow — poor visibility adds further risk on a mountain crag.
Reasoning
The rock surface is actively wet from ongoing rain today (17.6mm forecast across the day) following a week with nearly 80mm of precipitation, and humidity is at 94–99% — the crag is thoroughly soaked.
Despite the south-facing aspect and partial wind exposure, there has been virtually no meaningful drying window in the last 10 days, with rain on most days and humidity consistently above 80%.
Rhyolite/BVS rock does not suffer structural damage when wet, so hold breakage is not a concern — the risk is entirely friction-related.
Early June should offer improving conditions, but this has been an exceptionally wet spell; long daylight hours and higher sun angle will aid rapid drying once a sustained dry window arrives.
Contributing Factors
6
Nearly 80mm in the last 7 days and 233mm over 28 days has left the crag and surrounding hillside completely saturated.
Steady rain is falling throughout today with 17.6mm forecast and 100% cloud cover all day, keeping the rock continuously wet.
Humidity has averaged 85% over the past week and is 94–99% today, preventing any surface evaporation.
There have been no consecutive dry days recently, meaning no drying window has been available to clear surface or seepage moisture.
The favourable S/SE aspect will aid rapid drying once a sustained dry and sunny window arrives, but it cannot help under current conditions.
Partial wind exposure and 24–32 km/h winds forecast tomorrow could assist drying if rain stops, but alone cannot overcome this level of saturation.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the crag is actively wet with negligible friction on the volcanic rock.
- Monitor conditions from June 14th onwards when a dry window with warmer temperatures (17–20°C) and lower humidity is forecast.
- When conditions improve, walk up to inspect the crag visually before committing — check seepage lines on the left side in particular, as these will be the last areas to dry.
Do Not Climb
90%
8 days ago
Raven Crag is currently saturated after an exceptionally wet period — nearly 160mm in the last 7 days alone, with heavy rain today and more forecast tomorrow. Even though the rock is non-porous, persistent surface water, active seepage lines, and high humidity will keep the crag wet and slippery; conditions are unsuitable for climbing.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The left side of the crag has known seepage lines that will be actively running after 160mm+ of recent rainfall and will take several dry days to subside.
- The south/SE aspect is a significant advantage for drying, but persistent cloud cover (80–100% forecast today and tomorrow) is negating much of the solar benefit.
- At 280m, the crag is likely sitting in or near cloud base during this unsettled spell — mist contact will keep surfaces damp even between showers.
- The short approach from New Dungeon Ghyll means conditions can be quickly reassessed on future dry days without committing to a long walk-in.
Warnings
3
- Multi-pitch trad routes on wet volcanic rock are extremely dangerous — friction loss on BVS rhyolite when wet is severe and falls are likely.
- Seepage lines will be heavily active and may affect routes not normally prone to drainage.
- Cloud base may sit at or below crag level (280m) during this unsettled period, reducing visibility on the crag face.
Reasoning
The rock surface is thoroughly wet from 159mm of rain in the past week, including 30mm yesterday and 13.5mm today, with humidity consistently above 80% — the crag will be dripping.
Despite the south aspect and moderate wind exposure, the lack of sustained dry weather, persistent cloud cover, and high humidity mean virtually no effective drying has occurred in over a week.
As non-porous Borrowdale Volcanic rock, there is no structural damage risk from wet climbing, but friction is drastically reduced on wet rhyolite making multi-pitch trad routes dangerous.
Early June should offer good conditions, but this is an unusually prolonged wet spell; ground saturation at 280m will feed seepage lines for days after rain stops.
Contributing Factors
7
159mm in the last 7 days with significant events on June 1 (42mm), June 3 (35mm), June 4 (63mm), and June 8 (30mm) have left the crag thoroughly saturated.
13.5mm falling today with showers continuing through the afternoon means the rock has had zero opportunity to begin drying.
Humidity averaging 86% over the past week and 83% today severely inhibits surface evaporation even during dry spells.
Cloud cover at 80–100% today blocks direct solar radiation on this south-facing crag, eliminating its main drying advantage.
Westerly winds at 20–29 km/h provide some air movement across the face, which will aid drying once rain stops.
The S/SE aspect is normally a strong drying asset but is currently negated by cloud cover and ongoing rain.
Known seepage on the left side of the crag will be heavily active after this volume of rain and will persist for days.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the crag is wet, slippery, and conditions are dangerous for multi-pitch trad routes.
- Wait for at least 2 consecutive dry days with good sun and wind before reassessing; the earliest realistic window begins around June 13–14.
- When conditions improve, start with routes on the right side of the crag which drains better and is less affected by seepage.
Do Not Climb
30%
9 days ago
Raven Crag has been subjected to a prolonged wet spell with over 140mm in the last 7 days, including 23mm already today; despite a potential dry window this afternoon, the rock will be saturated with active seepage lines, and friction on the volcanic rock will be unreliable. The coming week offers no meaningful dry spell, with further rain forecast every day through June 13th.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The left side of the crag has known seepage lines that will be actively running after 140mm+ in 7 days — these may take several dry days to subside.
- At 280m the crag is likely sitting in or near the cloud base during this unsettled spell, meaning even 'dry' hours may see the rock dampened by mist and condensation.
- The south/SE aspect and partial wind exposure are assets, but with humidity averaging 86% over the past week and temps only ~11°C, evaporative drying is severely limited.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll means a quick retreat is feasible if conditions are assessed on arrival — but multi-pitch commitment above should not be underestimated on damp rock.
Warnings
3
- Active seepage lines across the crag, particularly on the left side, make multi-pitch routes hazardous — wet volcanic rock offers drastically reduced friction.
- Low cloud at crag level is likely during this unsettled spell; even if the valley appears clear, the crag at 280m may be enveloped in mist.
- Bold trad routes like Centipede and Pluto become significantly more dangerous on damp rock where friction-dependent moves can fail without warning.
Reasoning
With 141mm in the last 7 days, heavy rain today (23mm), and 100% cloud cover through the morning, surface moisture will be widespread and seepage lines will be actively flowing across the crag.
Although a dry window opens from ~08:00–20:00 today with dropping humidity (to ~53% by 14:00) and moderate SW wind, 12 hours of partial sun is insufficient to dry a crag that has been repeatedly soaked over the past week.
Rhyolite/BVS rock is non-porous and will not suffer structural damage from climbing when wet, but friction loss on the crystalline surface when damp makes falls significantly more likely on the often bold trad routes here.
Early June should be prime Lakes season, but this prolonged Atlantic weather pattern has delivered unseasonally persistent rain; temperatures at crag level (~11°C) are well below seasonal norms, further reducing drying potential.
Contributing Factors
8
Over 140mm in the last 7 days with major events on June 1st (42mm), June 3rd (35mm), and June 4th (63mm) have thoroughly saturated the ground and seepage systems feeding the crag.
23mm forecast today, mostly falling overnight and early morning, keeping the rock wet into the midday hours.
A broadly dry spell from ~08:00 to 20:00 with clearing skies and humidity dropping to the mid-50s% offers some surface drying on exposed faces.
Average humidity of 86% over the past week and 78% today means evaporative drying is sluggish even during dry spells.
Max temperature of only ~11.6°C at crag level significantly limits drying rate compared to typical June conditions.
The S/SE aspect maximises available solar radiation during any clear spells, helping surface moisture evaporate faster than north-facing alternatives.
Winds of 18–20 km/h from the SW today will assist surface drying, particularly on exposed buttresses.
Further rain is forecast every day from June 9th through June 13th, with no sustained dry period in sight to allow thorough drying.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — despite the afternoon dry window, the rock will still be wet from this morning's rain on top of a week of saturation, and seepage lines will be running.
- Monitor conditions for June 14th onwards, which shows the first completely dry day in the forecast; a follow-up dry day or two after that would bring the crag into condition.
- If visiting the Langdale area this week, consider lower-altitude sheltered bouldering venues or indoor alternatives rather than committing to multi-pitch routes on a saturated mountain crag.
Do Not Climb
95%
10 days ago
Raven Crag is currently saturated after 172mm of rain in the past week, with 23mm falling today and further heavy rain forecast for the next five days. The rock will be wet and slippery, with active seepage lines likely across much of the crag — conditions are clearly unsuitable for climbing.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The left side of the crag has known persistent seepage lines that will be actively flowing given the extreme recent rainfall totals.
- Despite the favourable south/SE aspect, the sustained wet spell with 89% average humidity and cool temperatures (~12°C) severely limits drying potential between showers.
- Low cloud is likely at 280m given the high humidity and SW airflow, further reducing any solar drying even during brief dry spells.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll means conditions can be checked quickly without committing to a long walk-in, which is useful once the weather eventually improves.
Warnings
3
- Active seepage lines and saturated rock across the crag create serious slip hazard — volcanic rock offers very poor friction when wet.
- High winds (up to 40 km/h forecast on June 12th) combined with wet rock make multi-pitch climbing particularly dangerous.
- Low cloud at crag altitude is very likely given sustained high humidity, reducing visibility on approach and on route.
Reasoning
The rock surface is certainly wet today after 23mm of rain, on top of 172mm in the past week; seepage lines will be running and the entire crag will be saturated with surface water.
Despite partial wind exposure and a south-facing aspect, continuous rainfall with only brief gaps, high humidity (89% average), and cool temperatures (11–12°C) have prevented any meaningful drying over the past week.
Rhyolite/BVS rock is non-porous and will not suffer structural damage from the wet conditions, but friction is drastically reduced on wet volcanic rock, making climbing dangerous.
Early June should offer improving conditions, but this is an unusually prolonged wet spell; temperatures are below seasonal norms and the forecast shows no sustained dry window in the next five days.
Contributing Factors
6
172mm in the past 7 days with 23mm today means the crag is thoroughly wet with active drainage and seepage.
Average humidity of 89% over the past week prevents effective evaporation even during brief dry intervals.
The forecast shows rain every day for the next five days (totalling 63mm), with no opportunity for the crag to dry.
Temperatures around 10–13°C are below seasonal norms and reduce evaporation rates significantly.
The favourable aspect would normally aid drying, but persistent cloud cover, rain, and high humidity negate this advantage entirely.
Winds of 20–30 km/h could aid surface drying, but constant re-wetting from rain and low cloud render this ineffective.
Recommendations
3
- Do not attempt to climb at Raven Crag until a sustained dry spell of at least 24–48 hours with lower humidity arrives.
- Monitor the forecast beyond June 12th — the first dry day shown (June 13th) could mark the start of a drying window, but check updated forecasts before committing.
- If visiting Langdale during this wet spell, consider using the time for walk-ins, reconnaissance, or visiting indoor walls in Kendal or Ambleside.
Do Not Climb
93%
11 days ago
Raven Crag is currently saturated after nearly 160mm of rain in the past week, with today bringing further precipitation and humidity at 91%. The forecast shows continued daily rainfall through at least June 11th, meaning the crag has no realistic drying window in the coming days.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The left side of the crag has known seepage lines that will be running heavily after this volume of rain and will persist for days even after rain stops.
- Despite the favourable south/SE aspect, the persistent cloud cover (implied by 89–95% humidity) means the crag is receiving minimal direct solar radiation to aid drying.
- At 280m altitude, low cloud is very likely to be enveloping the crag in current conditions, further reducing drying potential and creating condensation on the rock surface.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll is a blessing in poor weather — easy to walk up, check conditions, and retreat without a major commitment.
Warnings
3
- BVS volcanic rock loses its renowned friction when wet — multi-pitch trad routes on slippery rock at this crag pose a serious fall risk.
- Low cloud is very likely at 280m in current conditions; visibility may be poor and the rock surface may be wet from condensation even between rain showers.
- Seepage lines, particularly on the left side of the crag, will persist for days after rain stops — do not assume the whole crag is dry even when the main face appears dry.
Reasoning
The rock surface is almost certainly wet: 160mm of rain in 7 days with 6.8mm today and 91% humidity means active surface moisture and running seepage lines across the crag.
Despite the south-facing aspect that normally aids rapid drying, persistent cloud cover, high humidity (~89% average), and continuous rainfall have prevented any meaningful drying — the last truly dry spell ended around May 30th.
Non-porous BVS rhyolite is not at risk of structural damage from moisture, but the renowned friction that makes these routes climbable is entirely negated when the rock is wet.
Early June should be prime season for Lakeland mountain crags, but this unsettled westerly-dominated weather pattern is delivering prolonged wet conditions with no sign of a high-pressure window.
Contributing Factors
6
Nearly 160mm in the past 7 days including a 63mm deluge on June 4th has thoroughly saturated the crag and surrounding ground.
Zero consecutive dry days currently, and the forecast shows rain every day through June 11th, preventing any surface drying.
Humidity has averaged 89% over the past week and remains above 77% in the forecast, severely inhibiting evaporation even on rain-free hours.
Winds of 17–33 km/h provide some air movement but cannot overcome the sustained moisture input and high humidity at this altitude.
The favourable S/SE aspect would normally aid rapid drying, but persistent overcast skies and cloud at crag level negate this advantage.
Known seepage on the left side of the crag will be running strongly after this volume of rain and will take several dry days to subside.
Recommendations
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- Do not climb at Raven Crag until at least 2–3 consecutive dry days with reduced humidity allow the surface and seepage lines to dry.
- Monitor conditions for a high-pressure window — June 12th shows 0mm forecast and could mark the start of a drying trend worth watching.
- If visiting Langdale regardless, the short approach makes it easy to walk up and visually assess conditions without committing to a climb.
Climbing Outlook