Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Raven Crag is currently wet from today's rain and faces a prolonged spell of heavy rainfall over the coming days, with nearly 75mm forecast in the next six days. The rock will not have adequate drying time at any point this week, making friction unreliable and conditions 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 persist well after heavy rain — these will be actively running given the recent and forecast rainfall totals.
- Despite the favourable S/SE aspect, 100% cloud cover today and forecast overcast/wet conditions this week will negate much of the solar drying advantage.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll means rapid retreat is possible, but multi-pitch routes high on the crag commit climbers to sustained exposure on wet rock.
- Low cloud frequently envelops the crag at 280m even when the valley floor is clear — expect reduced visibility and persistent dampness in the current weather pattern.
Warnings
2
- Wet rhyolite offers drastically reduced friction — multi-pitch routes on Raven Crag become extremely hazardous when damp, with serious fall potential on friction-dependent moves.
- Low cloud at crag level is highly likely in the current weather pattern, reducing visibility and keeping the rock saturated with condensation even between rain showers.
Reasoning
The crag received rain today (6mm with showers from 14:00–16:00) on top of a wet recent period (16mm in the last 7 days), and the rock surface will be wet or damp across most of the face.
Although rhyolite dries quickly in sun and wind, 100% cloud cover all day today with high humidity (73–96%) and light-to-moderate wind provides minimal drying potential, and heavier rain arrives tomorrow.
Non-porous BVS volcanic rock does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so hold breakage is not a concern.
Late August in the Lakes is transitioning toward autumn weather patterns; the current Atlantic-driven wet spell with cooler temperatures (~15°C) and high humidity is typical and may persist for days.
Contributing Factors
6
Approximately 6mm of rain fell today, including a concentrated burst of nearly 5mm between 14:00 and 16:00, leaving the rock surface wet.
11.5mm forecast for August 27th followed by 33.5mm on August 28th — the crag will be thoroughly soaked with no drying window.
Humidity has averaged 77% over the past week and is forecast to reach 93–95% in coming days, severely limiting evaporative drying.
100% cloud cover all day today eliminates solar radiation that the S/SE aspect would otherwise use to dry the rock.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water so will dry quickly once a sustained dry window eventually arrives — but that window is not imminent.
With 77.8mm in the past 28 days and ongoing rain, the seepage lines on the left side of the crag will be running and may extend across normally dry routes.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Raven Crag this week; the forecast shows no adequate drying window until at least September 1st.
- Monitor conditions after the wet spell clears — the non-porous rock and south-facing aspect mean the crag could come into condition within a day of sustained dry, sunny weather.
- Consider indoor climbing walls in Ambleside or Kendal as an alternative during this prolonged wet period.
Previous Analyses
Likely Safe to Climb
85%
57 days ago
Raven Crag has had three full dry days following the wet spell of Aug 17–21, with today forecast completely dry, sunny, and with moderate wind — excellent drying conditions on this south-facing volcanic rock. Surface moisture should be fully cleared on the main face, though localised seepage lines on the left side may linger.
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 can persist for several days after heavy rain — the 12.9mm on Aug 19 and 9.8mm on Aug 20 may still be feeding these.
- The south/SE aspect catches direct sun from mid-morning through to late afternoon, giving excellent solar drying on the main buttresses.
- Cloud is building through the afternoon (up to 91% by 7pm) which could reduce late-day drying, but humidity remains low enough through the core climbing hours.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll means climbers can quickly retreat if conditions prove worse than expected at the crag.
Warnings
1
- Heavy rain is forecast from Aug 26 onwards (nearly 40mm over three days) — today and tomorrow represent the last reliable climbing window for several days.
Reasoning
Three consecutive dry days with dropping humidity (down to 68% today) and good solar exposure on this south-facing crag should have cleared surface moisture from the main faces of this non-porous volcanic rock.
The south/SE aspect has received full sun over the last two warm, dry days (Aug 22–23 reaching 16–17°C) with moderate westerly to northwesterly wind, providing efficient surface drying on exposed rock.
Borrowdale Volcanic rock is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening when wet; there is no hold breakage risk from residual moisture.
Mid-to-late August provides long daylight hours and reasonable temperatures for multi-pitch climbing, though the recent cool spell (averaging 12°C over the last week) has slowed drying somewhat compared to peak summer conditions.
Contributing Factors
6
No precipitation since the 0.4mm trace on Aug 21, giving three full drying days on non-porous rock.
The S/SE aspect receives direct sun throughout the day, accelerating surface evaporation significantly.
Zero precipitation forecast today with humidity dropping to 50% by mid-afternoon and clear skies through the morning.
A significant wet spell from Aug 16–20 delivered ~37mm, which may sustain seepage on the left side of the crag.
Consistent 13–16 km/h winds today help evaporate any remaining surface dampness.
Nearly 40mm forecast over Aug 26–28, which will end this drying window decisively.
Recommendations
3
- Climb today — conditions are at their best before rain returns on Aug 26; aim for mid-morning to mid-afternoon for lowest humidity and best sun.
- Avoid the seepage-prone left side of the crag or visually check those routes before committing, as residual drainage from last week's rain may persist.
- Tomorrow (Aug 25) also looks dry and is worth considering as a backup day, though increasing humidity signals the approaching front.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
72%
58 days ago
After two full dry days following a wet spell (12.9mm and 9.8mm on Aug 19–20), the south-facing volcanic rock should be largely dry on the surface, but residual seepage lines from the recent heavy rain may persist. Tomorrow (Aug 24) looks good, but conditions deteriorate significantly from Aug 27 with very heavy rain forecast.
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 can persist for several days after heavy rain — the 35mm accumulated over Aug 17–20 means these may still be weeping.
- The south/SE aspect and moderate wind exposure have provided reasonable drying conditions over the last two dry days, but humidity has remained in the mid-70s, slowing evaporation.
- Low cloud can affect the crag even when Langdale valley floor is clear — check cloud base forecasts before committing to multi-pitch routes.
- A massive rain event is forecast for Aug 27–28 (67.7mm combined), which will saturate the crag and reactivate all seepage lines for days afterward.
Warnings
2
- Very heavy rain is forecast for Aug 27–28 (67.7mm total) — do not plan to climb from midweek onward without rechecking conditions.
- Low cloud may obscure the crag even when the valley appears clear — check mountain weather forecasts for cloud base before approaching multi-pitch routes.
Reasoning
Two consecutive dry days with moderate temperatures (15–16°C) and humidity dropping to the mid-70s suggest the non-porous volcanic surface is mostly dry, though seepage lines from 35mm of rain over Aug 17–20 may still be active.
The south-facing aspect has received reasonable solar radiation over two dry days with light-to-moderate westerly and NW winds, which should have cleared surface moisture from most of the crag, though sheltered seepage areas dry more slowly.
Borrowdale Volcanic rock is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening when wet — no hold breakage risk from the recent moisture.
Mid-to-late August in the Lakes is prime summer season with adequate daylight for multi-pitch routes, though the recent unsettled pattern with high humidity is typical of a Lakes summer and limits optimal drying.
Contributing Factors
6
No precipitation since Aug 21 (0.4mm trace), giving the non-porous rock good opportunity to shed surface moisture.
35mm fell over Aug 17–20, including 12.9mm on Aug 19, which will have charged seepage lines on the left side of the crag.
The S/SE aspect maximises sun exposure during the two dry days, accelerating surface drying on the main face.
Humidity has been 74–79% over the last two days, which is reasonable but not ideal for rapid evaporation of seepage.
A combined 67.7mm is forecast for Aug 27–28, which will thoroughly saturate the crag and render it unsafe for climbing.
Borrowdale Volcanic rhyolite does not absorb water, so the main risk is surface friction loss rather than structural damage.
Recommendations
3
- Tomorrow (Aug 24) offers the best window — arrive early to maximise sun exposure and visually check seepage lines before committing to routes, especially on the left side of the crag.
- Avoid routes known to cross seepage lines on the left side of the crag; right-side routes and prominent buttresses like Bilberry Buttress will have dried fastest.
- Plan to climb before Aug 27, as the heavy rain forecast (36mm+31mm) will make the crag unsafe for several days afterward.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
60%
59 days ago
After a very wet spell (38mm in the last 7 days including nearly 13mm on Aug 19th), today is the first fully dry day. The south-facing aspect and moderate wind should have dried exposed surfaces, but seepage lines and sheltered areas may still be damp, and only one dry day is not enough to be fully confident.
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 after heavy rain — these will likely still be running given nearly 38mm fell in the last week, with the heaviest falls on Aug 19–20.
- The south/SE aspect catches good sun for most of the day, which significantly aids surface drying on the non-porous volcanic rock, but today's max of only 15.6°C and moderate NW wind limit drying efficiency.
- Low cloud can blanket the crag at 280m even when the valley is clear — check conditions from below before committing to routes, as cloud would drastically reduce drying.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll means rapid retreat is feasible if conditions are worse than expected on arrival.
Warnings
2
- Seepage lines on the left side of the crag may still be actively running — wet volcanic rock is dangerously slippery and friction-dependent moves become unreliable.
- Low cloud may envelop the crag at 280m without warning — check visibility before and during your climb.
Reasoning
Surface moisture from 12.9mm (Aug 19) and 9.8mm (Aug 20) has had roughly 1.5–2 dry days to evaporate, but only one fully dry day (today) with modest temperatures and 78% humidity means some damp patches and seepage are likely.
The south-facing aspect receives good solar radiation and the moderate NW wind aids evaporation, but with average temperatures only around 15°C and humidity at 78%, full drying of seepage lines and sheltered recesses will take another day or two.
Non-porous Borrowdale Volcanic rock does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so hold breakage is not a concern.
Mid-to-late August in the Lakes brings shorter days and increasingly unsettled Atlantic weather; the recent wet spell is typical, and the brief dry window should be seized if surface conditions allow.
Contributing Factors
6
Nearly 38mm fell in the last 7 days, including significant falls of 12.9mm and 9.8mm on Aug 19–20, saturating seepage lines and drainage features.
Today (Aug 22) is fully dry with 0mm precipitation, allowing surface moisture on exposed faces to begin evaporating.
The S/SE aspect maximises solar exposure throughout the day, significantly aiding surface drying on the non-porous volcanic rock.
Max temperature today is only 15.6°C with average temperatures around 12–13°C over the last week, limiting evaporation rate.
Humidity has averaged 84% over the last week and remains at 78% today, slowing surface drying and potentially causing condensation in sheltered areas.
Borrowdale Volcanic rhyolite does not absorb water, so drying is a surface-only process and no structural damage risk exists.
Recommendations
3
- Visit the crag and visually inspect surfaces before committing — feel the rock on lower pitches for friction before moving higher.
- Avoid routes on the left side of the crag where known seepage lines are likely still active after the recent heavy rain.
- Consider waiting until Aug 24 if possible, when a second fully dry day with lower humidity (73%) and warmer temperatures (17°C) should give much better confidence in dry conditions.
Do Not Climb
40%
60 days ago
Raven Crag has received significant rainfall over the past week (38.5mm in 7 days), with heavy falls on August 19th (12.9mm) and 20th (9.8mm), and today has seen a further 1.0mm — there have been zero consecutive dry days. While the south-facing volcanic rock dries relatively quickly, the persistent wet spell with high humidity (84% average) means seepage lines and damp patches are very likely, and friction will be compromised.
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 after heavy rain — with nearly 23mm falling on August 19–20, these are almost certainly still running today.
- The south/SE aspect catches good summer sun which aids drying, but temperatures have been well below average for August (only 14–15°C) reducing evaporation rates.
- Low cloud can envelop the crag even when the valley floor is clear — at 280m with humidity around 76–84%, cloud contact is plausible and would keep surfaces damp.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll means conditions can be assessed quickly without committing to a long walk-in, making it practical to check and retreat if needed.
Warnings
2
- Friction on BVS rock drops dramatically when damp — a surface that looks dry can still be slippery, especially on slabby sections common on Raven Crag routes.
- Seepage lines on the left side of the crag may persist for several days even after rain stops — do not assume the entire crag is dry because one area feels dry.
Reasoning
With 12.9mm on Aug 19, 9.8mm on Aug 20, and 1.0mm today, the rock surface is almost certainly still carrying residual moisture, particularly in seepage zones and shaded features.
Zero consecutive dry days, below-average temperatures (~14°C), and high humidity (84%) have severely limited drying despite the south-facing aspect and moderate wind exposure.
Rhyolite/BVS rock is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so hold breakage is not a concern.
Mid-August should offer reasonable drying conditions, but the current unsettled spell with below-average temperatures is atypical and has kept the crag wetter than expected for summer.
Contributing Factors
7
Nearly 23mm fell on August 19–20 alone, with a further 1.0mm today, meaning there have been zero consecutive dry days.
Average humidity of 84% over the past week significantly slows surface evaporation even on non-porous rock.
Temperatures of 14–15°C are well below August norms for the Lakes, reducing the drying effect of solar radiation.
The S/SE aspect receives good solar radiation through the day, which is the crag's main drying advantage.
Partial wind exposure with 14–19 km/h winds from NW and W assists surface drying.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water, so only surface moisture needs to evaporate — no internal drying period required.
Known seepage on the left side of the crag will be active after this wet period and may take days to clear.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for the dry spell forecast for August 22–24 to allow at least one full dry day with sun before attempting routes, particularly on the left side of the crag.
- If visiting during the dry window, prioritise routes on the right side of the crag away from known seepage lines, and test friction carefully on the first few moves.
- Carry approach shoes and have an alternative valley-floor plan in case low cloud or residual dampness makes conditions unsuitable on arrival.
Do Not Climb
45%
61 days ago
Raven Crag has been soaked by nearly 30mm of rain over the past week, including 12.9mm yesterday and 2.1mm today, with persistent high humidity and cloud cover preventing effective drying. Although a brief clearing window appears this afternoon and a drier spell is forecast from the 22nd, the rock is likely still damp and seepage lines will be active.
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 nearly 30mm in the past 7 days and 12.9mm just yesterday — avoid routes in that area for several days.
- At 280m the crag can sit in low cloud even when the Langdale valley floor is clear; today's 100% cloud cover through midday likely means the crag has been enveloped in mist, adding surface moisture beyond rainfall alone.
- The south/SE aspect and partial wind exposure are favourable for drying, but the persistent high humidity (85% average over the past week) significantly slows evaporation from the rock surface.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll means climbers can quickly assess conditions in person and retreat without a major time commitment if the rock is still damp.
Warnings
2
- Do not climb today — the rock has been rained on through midday and the brief afternoon clearing is insufficient to dry multi-pitch routes safely.
- Seepage lines on the left side of the crag may persist for several days even after surface rock appears dry — test holds carefully.
Reasoning
With 12.9mm yesterday, 2.1mm today, and scattered showers through midday, the rock surface is almost certainly wet or damp right now, with seepage lines actively flowing.
A brief clearing window from around 14:00–16:00 today with dropping humidity (58–61%) and moderate wind offers some surface drying, but this is insufficient to dry out seepage lines or fully clear residual moisture from a prolonged wet spell.
Borrowdale Volcanic rhyolite is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so hold breakage and rock damage are not concerns here.
Mid-August in the Lakes is peak summer but this has been an unusually wet and cool spell with temperatures well below seasonal norms; shorter evenings limit late-day drying windows.
Contributing Factors
6
Nearly 30mm in the past 7 days including 12.9mm yesterday and continued drizzle today means the crag is saturated with active seepage.
Average humidity of 85% over the past week severely limits evaporative drying even on this south-facing crag.
100% cloud cover through midday at 280m likely means the crag has been in cloud, depositing additional surface moisture beyond measured rainfall.
Humidity drops to 58–61% between 14:00–16:00 with partial cloud breaks, offering a short drying window.
The S/SE aspect maximises solar exposure and will accelerate drying once clear skies arrive.
Three consecutive dry days with low humidity and cool overnight temperatures from the 22nd should produce good drying conditions.
Recommendations
3
- Wait until at least August 22nd before visiting — the forecast dry spell with lower humidity should allow the rock to dry properly after this prolonged wet period.
- If visiting on the 22nd or 23rd, prioritise routes on the right side of the crag which is less affected by seepage, and carefully test friction before committing to harder moves.
- Carry a towel and be prepared to descend if seepage or residual dampness is found on the route; the short approach makes a quick retreat straightforward.
Do Not Climb
92%
62 days ago
Raven Crag is currently soaked from 26mm of rain today on top of a very wet recent period (40mm in 7 days, 86mm in 28 days), with further showers continuing through the afternoon and evening. The rock will be thoroughly wet with no drying window available today.
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 be running heavily given today's 26mm and the prolonged wet spell.
- The south/SE aspect is a major advantage once dry weather arrives, and the crag should dry relatively quickly once rain stops and sun returns.
- At 280m the crag can sit in low cloud even when the valley floor is clear — today's 100% cloud cover and high humidity will suppress any drying.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll means climbers can easily check conditions and return quickly if the crag is still damp.
Warnings
2
- Active rainfall and saturated rock today make climbing extremely dangerous due to near-zero friction on wet rhyolite.
- Seepage lines on the left side of the crag will persist well beyond general surface drying — avoid routes in those areas for at least 48 hours after rain stops.
Reasoning
The rock is thoroughly saturated — 26mm fell today with heavy showers continuing through the afternoon, on top of 40mm in the past week and persistent high humidity (82% average).
No meaningful drying has occurred or will occur today; 100% cloud cover, ongoing rain, and 89% humidity mean the surface will remain wet throughout.
As non-porous Borrowdale Volcanic rhyolite, there is no structural damage risk from climbing when wet, but friction will be dangerously poor on the slick surface.
Mid-August should be prime climbing season, but this prolonged wet spell with cool temperatures (14°C) and high humidity is slowing drying significantly compared to typical summer conditions.
Contributing Factors
6
26.1mm of precipitation today with showers continuing through the afternoon and evening leaves the entire crag surface thoroughly wet.
40mm in the past 7 days and 86mm over 28 days means seepage lines and drainage channels are fully charged.
Humidity has averaged 82% over the past week with today reaching 89%, severely suppressing any surface evaporation.
Complete cloud cover today prevents any solar drying on the south-facing rock.
Borrowdale Volcanic rhyolite does not absorb water, so once rain stops and conditions improve, the surface will dry relatively quickly.
Temperatures around 12–14°C are well below summer averages for the Lakes, slowing evaporation.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the crag is actively wet and further showers are forecast through the evening.
- The earliest viable opportunity is August 21st after a full dry day on the 21st; arrive prepared to assess seepage lines on the left side of the crag.
- Consider the 22nd–24th as the most promising window, with consecutive dry days and improving temperatures allowing thorough drying.
Do Not Climb
88%
63 days ago
Raven Crag is currently wet from ongoing light rain today (3.9mm) following several recent wet days, with 100% cloud cover eliminating any solar drying. Tomorrow brings heavier rain (8.3mm forecast), so conditions will not improve imminently — wait for the dry window from Thursday 21st 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 — with ~10mm over the last two days and more forecast, these will be actively running.
- The south/SE aspect is a major asset for drying, but 100% cloud cover today and tomorrow completely negates this advantage.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll means climbers can check conditions quickly without committing to a long walk-in, which will be useful when the dry window arrives later this week.
- At 280m, low cloud is likely engulfing the crag today given 100% cloud cover and high humidity — expect reduced visibility and saturated rock surfaces.
Warnings
2
- Active rain and 100% cloud cover make the crag wet and slippery — climbing today risks serious falls on friction-dependent routes.
- Low cloud at crag height is likely, reducing visibility and saturating rock surfaces beyond what precipitation totals alone suggest.
Reasoning
The rock is currently wet from intermittent light rain throughout today (3.9mm total), following 2.8mm on the 16th, 3.4mm on the 17th, and with humidity consistently above 83% — surface moisture will be present across the crag.
Zero drying opportunity today with 100% cloud cover, high humidity (84–96%), and ongoing drizzle; the south-facing aspect cannot help without any sun, and moderate westerly winds at ~17–20 km/h are insufficient to dry the rock under these saturated atmospheric conditions.
Rhyolite/BVS rock is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so hold breakage is not a concern.
Mid-August is peak summer season but the current spell is unseasonably cool (13–15°C) and wet; a more settled, cooler pattern with northerly winds looks to arrive from Thursday 21st.
Contributing Factors
7
Intermittent light rain throughout today totalling 3.9mm means the rock surface is actively wet.
Complete cloud cover all day eliminates solar drying on this normally sun-blessed south-facing crag.
Humidity has been 83–97% throughout today, preventing evaporative drying even during rain-free hours.
Approximately 10mm over the last three days will have activated seepage lines, especially on the left side of the crag.
8.3mm forecast for the 19th will re-saturate any surfaces that might partially dry, extending the wet period.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water so will dry relatively quickly once rain stops and sun/wind return.
Westerly winds at ~17–21 km/h provide some airflow but are insufficient to dry rock in near-saturated atmospheric conditions.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock is wet, greasy, and friction on BVS rhyolite will be very poor.
- Target Thursday 21st August onwards when a dry spell with dropping humidity and northerly winds is forecast to begin.
- When conditions improve, check seepage lines on the left side of the crag before committing — these may take an extra day to stop running after this wet spell.
Do Not Climb
90%
64 days ago
Raven Crag is currently wet from overnight and early-morning rain, with 100% cloud cover eliminating any solar drying, and further rain forecast through the evening and into the coming days. The rock will be damp and slippery, making friction-dependent volcanic routes unsafe.
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 rain — these will be actively running given the recent wet spell (nearly 10mm in the last 7 days plus 7mm today).
- Despite its south/SE aspect, 100% cloud cover all day today negates any solar drying advantage, and the crag at 280m is likely sitting in or near the cloud base.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll makes it tempting to 'just go and check,' but with continuous 100% cloud and high humidity the rock will remain damp even where not visibly wet.
- Cumulative rainfall over the last 28 days (56mm) is substantial, meaning the surrounding hillside is saturated and will feed seepage onto the crag for some time after rain stops.
Warnings
3
- Multi-pitch trad routes on wet BVS rock are extremely slippery — friction-dependent moves become dangerously insecure.
- Low cloud is likely enveloping the crag at 280m given the high humidity and 100% cloud cover; visibility may be poor on route.
- Heavy rain (up to 16mm) is forecast for August 20, which will re-saturate the crag and reset any drying progress.
Reasoning
The rock is currently wet from 7.1mm of rain today, with drizzle through the early morning and further showers forecast from mid-afternoon onward, plus humidity at 82–96% all day.
With 100% cloud cover eliminating direct solar radiation, negligible wind speeds (0–5 km/h through midday), and humidity above 85%, there is effectively no drying occurring today.
Non-porous BVS rhyolite is not at risk of structural damage, but friction loss on the wet crystalline surface is severe and the primary safety concern on these multi-pitch trad routes.
Mid-August should be peak season, but the current unsettled Atlantic weather pattern with persistent westerlies and frontal rain is keeping conditions poor; days are still long enough for conditions to recover quickly once a dry spell arrives.
Contributing Factors
6
7.1mm recorded today with light rain/drizzle through morning and further showers forecast from 15:00 onward, keeping the rock surface wet.
100% cloud cover throughout the entire day eliminates solar drying on this normally sun-favoured south-facing crag.
Humidity ranges from 82–96% today, preventing evaporative drying and likely keeping the rock surface damp even during the brief dry window.
Wind speeds are near calm (0–5 km/h) through the middle of the day, offering minimal wind-assisted drying.
Nearly 10mm in the last 7 days and 56mm over 28 days means the hillside is saturated and seepage lines on the left side of the crag will be active.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water so will dry relatively quickly once rain stops and sun/wind return, but this advantage is irrelevant today.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock is wet and will remain so all day with no drying window available.
- Monitor the forecast for August 22–23 when the first genuinely dry spell is predicted; Raven Crag's south aspect means it could come into condition within hours of sun and wind arriving.
- If in the valley today, consider the pub at the New Dungeon Ghyll or indoor climbing at Ambleside as alternatives.
Do Not Climb
55%
65 days ago
Today has seen light rain (1.1mm) with high humidity (85%), and the forecast shows significant rainfall arriving tomorrow and intensifying through midweek. While the crag had a good dry spell from August 10–15, today's rain and the incoming wet weather make conditions uncertain now and deteriorating rapidly.
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 after heavy rain — the 10mm+ forecast for August 18 will likely reactivate these for several days.
- The south/SE aspect and partial wind exposure are assets for drying, but with humidity consistently above 85% for the next few days, evaporative drying will be significantly slowed.
- Low cloud frequently affects this crag even when Langdale valley floor is clear — at 280m with forecast humidity of 92%, the crag may sit in cloud for extended periods this week.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll makes it easy to check conditions visually before committing, which is worth doing if visiting on a marginal day like August 20.
Warnings
2
- Friction on Borrowdale Volcanic rock drops dramatically when damp — do not be tempted by apparently dry-looking surfaces in high humidity.
- Low cloud at 280m is likely with 92% humidity forecast; visibility and conditions at the crag may be significantly worse than in the valley.
Reasoning
Today's 1.1mm of rain on top of 85% humidity means the rock surface is likely damp right now, though the preceding 5-day dry spell (Aug 10–15) had cleared earlier moisture.
The south-facing aspect and moderate wind would normally dry surface moisture within hours, but with humidity at 85–92% over the coming days, evaporative drying will be poor and the rock may remain greasy.
Non-porous Borrowdale Volcanic rock faces no structural damage risk from moisture — the concern is purely friction loss on damp surfaces.
Mid-August is peak summer season with reasonable daylight hours, but the current weather pattern is unsettled and typical of a Lake District Atlantic frontal system bringing sustained rain and high humidity.
Contributing Factors
6
1.1mm of precipitation today with 85% humidity means surfaces are likely damp and drying conditions are poor.
Five consecutive dry days (Aug 10–15) with warming temperatures up to 25°C cleared moisture from the earlier wet period.
The forecast shows 11.9mm on Aug 18 and 9.0mm on Aug 19, which will thoroughly wet the crag and reactivate seepage lines.
Humidity is forecast at 92% for Aug 17–19, severely limiting evaporative drying even on this south-facing crag.
The S/SE aspect maximises solar heating which aids drying, but this benefit is negated when humidity is very high or the crag sits in cloud.
Partial wind exposure with 15–29 km/h westerly winds assists surface drying on this non-porous rock.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for the incoming wet spell to clear — August 21 onwards looks far more promising with dry weather, lower humidity (76%), and light winds allowing proper drying.
- If visiting on August 20 or 21, check seepage lines on the left side of the crag before committing to routes in that area.
- Carry approach shoes for the walk-in as paths will be wet and greasy after the midweek rain.
Climbing Outlook