Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Almscliff is currently soaked after a prolonged wet period — over 55mm in the last 28 days with repeated rain events, culminating in 7.1mm today including heavy pre-dawn showers. Despite the exposed hilltop position and favourable S/W aspect, the gritstone has had virtually no meaningful drying window in the past two weeks and should not be climbed on today.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's exposed hilltop position and S/W aspect normally give it above-average drying speed for gritstone, but this advantage is negated by the relentless rain cycle of the past fortnight.
- The two-tier structure (Low Man and High Man) means lower sections and north-facing flanks will retain moisture significantly longer than the south-facing upper walls.
- Access is on private land — climbing on wet rock causing visible damage or erosion could jeopardise the permissive access that the climbing community relies on.
- The prolonged wet spell (22.4mm in 7 days, 55.3mm in 28 days) means the rock is likely saturated well beyond the surface; internal moisture will persist even after the surface appears dry.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on saturated gritstone causes permanent hold damage and accelerated erosion — Almscliff's access is permissive on private land and irresponsible behaviour risks losing it.
- The rock surface may appear dry in afternoon sun while remaining dangerously weakened internally — do not be deceived by surface appearances after such a prolonged wet spell.
Reasoning
The gritstone is almost certainly saturated internally after repeated soakings — 22.4mm in the last 7 days across multiple rain events with barely any dry gaps, plus 7.1mm of rain today with humidity near 100% through the morning.
There has been no meaningful drying window; the only dry days recently (June 14–15) followed heavy rain on June 11–13, and humidity remained high (72–80%), providing insufficient time and conditions to dry porous gritstone before today's fresh soaking.
With the rock likely at or near full saturation from weeks of repeated wetting, compressive strength could be reduced by 30%+ and climbing risks both hold breakage and accelerated erosion of this irreplaceable crag.
Early June should offer reasonable drying conditions, but this year's unusually wet and cool pattern (average 12.3°C, 82% humidity over the past week) has prevented the rock from drying out between rain events.
Contributing Factors
7
7.1mm of rain today, with the bulk falling in a heavy pre-dawn burst (2.5mm at 03:00 alone), has freshly saturated the rock surface and replenished any internal moisture.
Repeated rain events since June 1 totalling over 35mm with no consecutive dry spell longer than two days means the gritstone has been kept near saturation for weeks.
Average humidity of 82% over the past week with today peaking at 100% severely limits evaporative drying even when rain pauses.
Almscliff's exposed position means strong winds (often 20–35 km/h recently) do help accelerate surface drying compared to sheltered crags.
South and west-facing rock receives good solar radiation during long June days, which will aid drying once rain stops, though cloud cover today is 100%.
Temperatures averaging only 12.3°C over the past week are below seasonal norms and slow evaporation from the rock.
Further rain is forecast on June 19 (1.5mm), June 20 (3.4mm), and June 21 (5.9mm), limiting the available drying window to just June 17–18.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Almscliff today or tomorrow — the rock is saturated and needs at least 48 hours of dry, breezy weather to begin drying adequately.
- If conditions allow, June 18 (afternoon) may offer the earliest realistic assessment window after two dry days with good wind, but visually inspect rock and base soil carefully before committing.
- Consider the further rain forecast from June 19–21; this week may not produce a safe climbing window at all, so plan alternative non-porous venues if possible.
Previous Analyses
Do Not Climb
30%
2 days ago
Almscliff has been subjected to a prolonged wet spell with nearly 50mm over the last 28 days and repeated rain events through early-to-mid June, including 10.5mm on June 11 and 8.0mm on June 8. Although the crag has had roughly 1.5 dry days since the last meaningful rain (0.4mm on June 13, 3.2mm on June 12), high humidity averaging 80% and cool temperatures around 12°C have severely limited drying, and the gritstone is very likely still holding significant internal moisture.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's exposed hilltop position and S/W aspect are its best drying assets, but persistent cloud cover (100% forecast today) and high humidity are negating much of this advantage during the current spell.
- The two-tier structure (Low Man and High Man) means lower sections and north-facing walls will be substantially wetter than the more exposed south-facing upper walls.
- After a prolonged wet period like this (nearly 50mm in 28 days with rain on 12 of the last 15 days), even Almscliff's relatively quick-drying reputation is insufficient — internal saturation accumulates over repeated wetting cycles.
- Access is on private land and a privilege; climbing on damp gritstone risks both permanent route damage and jeopardising future access.
Warnings
3
- Climbing on saturated gritstone causes permanent, irreversible damage to holds and route surfaces — Almscliff's classic problems are irreplaceable.
- The rock surface may appear dry while the interior remains dangerously saturated after this prolonged wet period; do not trust surface appearance alone.
- Access to Almscliff is on private land — damaging the rock through wet climbing could jeopardise access for the entire climbing community.
Reasoning
With rain on 12 of the last 15 days totalling ~46mm, and only 1.5 genuinely dry days since the last notable precipitation (3.2mm on June 12), the gritstone is almost certainly saturated internally despite potentially appearing surface-dry in places.
The S/W aspect and exposed position would normally aid drying, but persistent high humidity (75–94%), overcast skies, and cool temperatures (~14°C average) have drastically slowed evaporation — effective drying time since last significant rain is far less than needed for this cumulative moisture load.
Given the prolonged saturation period, compressive strength of the gritstone is likely reduced by 20–40%, creating genuine risk of hold breakage and accelerated erosion particularly on well-trafficked problems and routes.
Early June should be improving conditions, but this year's unusually wet and cool spell has kept the crag in a near-winter moisture state; freeze-thaw is not a concern at current temperatures but prolonged saturation is the primary risk.
Contributing Factors
8
Rain fell on 12 of the last 15 days totalling ~46mm, keeping the rock in a near-continuously saturated state with no adequate drying window.
Only ~1.5 dry days since the last significant rain (3.2mm on June 12), far short of the 48–72+ hours needed after heavy cumulative wetting.
Average humidity of 80% over the last week severely limits evaporative drying even with wind exposure.
Average temperatures around 12°C over the last week are well below summer norms for Yorkshire, slowing drying significantly.
Sustained winds of 20–37 km/h over recent days provide the best available drying mechanism at this site.
South and west-facing aspects would normally receive good solar radiation, though persistent 100% cloud cover today is negating this benefit.
5.0mm forecast for June 16 with 86% humidity will reset any drying progress made today.
0.3mm of light precipitation forecast from 22:00 tonight adds to the moisture burden and interrupts the current dry window.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the gritstone has been subjected to prolonged wetting with insufficient drying time, and more rain is forecast tonight and tomorrow.
- Wait for at least 48–72 hours of genuinely dry weather with humidity below 70% before visiting; this window does not appear in the current 5-day forecast.
- If visiting later this week, perform a careful touch-test on the rock and check that the ground at the base of the crag is completely dry before committing to any routes.
Do Not Climb
35%
3 days ago
Almscliff has experienced a very wet 10-day period with 25.5mm in the last week alone, including 10.5mm on June 11th and repeated showers through June 13th. With only one full dry day (today) since the last significant rain, the gritstone is almost certainly still holding internal moisture despite Almscliff's exposed hilltop position.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's exposed hilltop position and S/W aspect are strong drying advantages, but they cannot overcome the cumulative saturation from 10+ days of repeated rainfall totalling over 30mm.
- Low Man tends to stay damper than High Man due to its lower position and partial sheltering — expect seepage and damp holds there even when High Man feels dry on the surface.
- The crag sits on private land and access is a privilege; climbing on wet gritstone risks both route damage and jeopardising continued access.
- Strong westerly/south-westerly winds (30–37 km/h) in recent days will have helped surface drying, but internal moisture from repeated saturation events takes much longer to dissipate.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on gritstone that has been repeatedly saturated over 10+ days risks permanent hold breakage — the rock may look surface-dry while retaining dangerous levels of internal moisture.
- Light forecast showers on June 15–17 will re-wet the surface and further delay adequate drying.
Reasoning
Repeated rain events from June 1–13 (over 30mm across multiple days, including 10.5mm on June 11th and 8mm on June 8th) will have kept the gritstone in a near-saturated state, and only one dry day is far too little to clear internal moisture.
Despite the exposed position and decent wind (22 km/h NW today), one dry day after prolonged wet weather is wholly insufficient — guidelines call for 48–72+ hours minimum after heavy rain, and cumulative saturation demands even longer.
The rock is very likely still above the critical moisture threshold where significant compressive strength loss occurs; climbing risks hold breakage and accelerated erosion on this premium gritstone.
Early June temperatures averaging only 11.7°C over the past week are below seasonal norms, slowing evaporation; humidity averaging 80% further inhibits drying.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 30mm fell across multiple days from June 1–13, with the heaviest event (10.5mm) just three days ago on June 11th, keeping the rock repeatedly re-saturated.
A single dry day is far short of the minimum 48–72 hours needed after heavy rain on porous gritstone, let alone after prolonged cumulative wetting.
Average humidity of 80% over the last week severely limits evaporative drying, meaning even surface drying is slow.
Average temperatures of 11.7°C are well below June norms for Yorkshire, reducing the rate of moisture evaporation from the rock.
Almscliff's fully exposed position and consistent winds (22–37 km/h recently) are the strongest drying factor available, accelerating surface evaporation.
The S/W facing aspect receives good solar radiation during the longer June days, aiding surface drying when the sun is out.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least 2–3 full dry days (until June 16–17 at the earliest) before considering climbing, and even then check the base of the crag for damp ground as an indicator of internal moisture.
- If you visit, check the underside of overhangs and sheltered cracks on High Man — if these are damp, the rock is certainly too wet.
- Monitor the forecast carefully: the light showers predicted on June 15–17 (0.2–0.8mm) will further delay drying and may reset the clock.
Do Not Climb
30%
4 days ago
Almscliff has experienced a prolonged wet spell with 25.9mm in the last 7 days alone, including 10.5mm on June 11 and 8.0mm on June 8, with only brief gaps between rain events. Despite the exposed hilltop position and favourable S/W aspect, the rock has had zero consecutive dry days and high humidity (81% average), meaning internal moisture levels are almost certainly still elevated.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The last two weeks have seen repeated wetting cycles (June 1–13) totalling over 45mm, with no period longer than ~36 hours without rain — this cumulative soaking penetrates deep into the gritstone and requires extended drying.
- Almscliff's exposed hilltop position and strong westerly winds (30+ km/h on several recent days) will accelerate surface drying, but surface appearance can be deceptive when internal saturation is high.
- The Low Man tier and any north-facing features or shaded cracks will retain moisture significantly longer than the sunlit upper faces of High Man.
- Private land access is a privilege — climbing on damp rock risks both route damage and potential access restrictions if landowner goodwill is lost.
Warnings
2
- The rock surface may appear dry before the interior has adequately dried — do not rely on visual or touch assessment of the surface alone after this prolonged wet period.
- Climbing on internally damp gritstone risks permanent hold breakage and irreversible route damage; Almscliff's compact size means every broken hold is a significant loss.
Reasoning
Repeated rain events from June 1–13 (48mm over 28 days, 26mm in the last week alone, with 10.5mm as recently as June 11) mean the rock has been subjected to near-continuous wetting with no meaningful drying window, leaving internal moisture levels very high.
Despite the exposed S/W aspect and strong winds, the zero consecutive dry days and persistently high humidity (81% average, peaking at 94%) have prevented effective drying — surface evaporation cannot keep pace with repeated re-wetting.
With repeated soaking over the past two weeks, the gritstone will have lost significant compressive strength (potentially 30%+), and holds — especially on popular well-worn routes — are at elevated risk of breakage.
Early June should offer reasonable drying conditions, but the unseasonably cool temperatures (averaging only 12°C) and persistent high humidity have significantly hampered the drying that would normally be expected at this time of year.
Contributing Factors
7
Over 45mm of rain has fallen since June 1 across at least 10 separate rain days, with no drying window longer than about 36 hours, keeping the rock in a near-continuously saturated state.
10.5mm fell just two days ago at 94% humidity, representing the heaviest single-day total in the recent spell and resaturating any partially dried rock.
Today (June 13) recorded 0.3mm precipitation, meaning there has been no unbroken dry period since the wet spell began.
Average humidity over the last 7 days is 81%, severely limiting evaporative drying even when it isn't actively raining.
Strong sustained winds (22–37 km/h) and the exposed hilltop setting will accelerate surface drying once rain stops, though this cannot compensate for the lack of a dry window.
The favourable S/W aspect maximises solar exposure during afternoon hours, which will aid drying once a sustained dry spell arrives.
Average temperatures of only 12°C over the past week are below seasonal norms and slow evaporative drying compared to typical June conditions.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for at least 48 hours of completely dry weather with humidity dropping below 70% before considering climbing — given the cumulative soaking, even this may not be sufficient for all routes.
- If visiting after a dry spell, perform the ground-moisture test at the base of the crag: if the soil and rock base are not bone-dry, do not climb.
- Prioritise the upper, south-facing walls of High Man if conditions improve, as these will dry first; avoid Low Man, shaded cracks, and any seepage-prone features.
Do Not Climb
92%
5 days ago
Almscliff has received 34.6mm of rain over the past 7 days, including 10.5mm yesterday and 3.4mm today, with high humidity averaging 82%. Despite the crag's exposed position and favourable aspect, the rock will be saturated internally and needs multiple dry days before it is safe to climb.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's hilltop exposure and strong westerly winds (37 km/h today) will aid surface drying, but internal moisture from repeated soakings over the past 10 days will persist much longer.
- The two-tier structure (Low Man and High Man) means lower sections and sheltered faces between the tiers will retain moisture significantly longer than exposed upper walls.
- The crag sits on private land with permissive access — climbing on wet gritstone risks both permanent route damage and jeopardising the access arrangement with the landowner.
- Seepage lines and horizontal breaks common on Almscliff's gritstone can hold water for days after the last rain, especially following a prolonged wet spell like this one.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on saturated gritstone risks permanent hold breakage and route damage — Almscliff's classic lines are irreplaceable.
- Access is on private land; irresponsible climbing in poor conditions could jeopardise access for the entire climbing community.
Reasoning
The rock has been repeatedly wetted over the past 10+ days with cumulative rainfall of 34.6mm in the last week alone, meaning the gritstone will be deeply saturated well beyond surface level.
Today still saw 3.4mm of rain and although strong W winds will strip surface moisture quickly, the sustained high humidity (81–94% over recent days) severely limits net evaporation and internal drying has barely begun.
With repeated wetting cycles and deep saturation, compressive strength will be significantly reduced (potentially 30%+), making hold breakage and grain loosening a serious risk on this well-trafficked crag.
Early June conditions with moderate temperatures (12–17°C) and persistently high humidity are limiting drying capacity despite the season; the prolonged wet spell resembles spring rather than typical summer conditions.
Contributing Factors
6
34.6mm over the past 7 days across multiple events (including 10.5mm on June 11 and 3.4mm today) has deeply saturated the porous gritstone.
With rain falling today (3.4mm), there have been zero consecutive dry days and drying has not yet meaningfully begun.
Humidity has averaged 82% over the past week with peaks of 94%, drastically slowing evaporation even at the rock surface.
Sustained westerly winds of 30–40 km/h at this exposed hilltop will accelerate surface drying once rain stops.
South and west-facing surfaces will benefit from solar radiation and prevailing wind, helping surface drying in the forecast dry spell.
Average temperatures of only 12°C over the past week and a forecast of 14°C tomorrow limit evaporative drying capacity.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today or tomorrow — the rock is saturated from repeated heavy rain and needs at least 48–72 hours of dry weather to begin recovering.
- Monitor conditions from June 15 onwards; if the forecast dry spell holds and humidity drops, exposed upper walls may begin to come into condition by June 16–17.
- On arrival, check the ground at the base of the crag — if the soil and rock base are still damp, the rock above is certainly still too wet internally.
Do Not Climb
92%
8 days ago
Almscliff is currently wet and unsuitable for climbing. The crag has received nearly 29mm of rain over the past 7 days in repeated pulses, with further rain falling today and forecast through June 11th — the gritstone will not have any meaningful drying window until at least June 13th.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's compact hilltop position and exposed aspect normally aid drying, but the persistent cycle of rain every 1–2 days since June 1st has kept the rock saturated with no recovery window.
- The Low Man tier and north-facing sections of High Man will retain moisture longest; even when upper south-facing walls begin to dry, these areas will remain damp.
- Access is on private land — climbing on wet gritstone risks permanent hold damage and could jeopardise the access agreement that the climbing community depends on.
- Seepage lines on the main walls (particularly around the crack systems) will continue to weep well after surface drying appears complete given the cumulative saturation.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on saturated gritstone causes irreversible hold breakage and route degradation — Almscliff is currently far too wet.
- Access to Almscliff is on private land; irresponsible climbing on wet rock risks losing access for the entire community.
Reasoning
The rock is thoroughly saturated after ~36mm of rain over the past 10 days delivered in near-continuous pulses (June 1–9), with today alone adding 5.4mm and no consecutive dry days recorded.
Despite the exposed hilltop position and south/west aspect, the lack of any dry spell longer than ~1 day since June 1st means evaporative drying has been repeatedly interrupted and the rock has had no chance to dry internally.
With the gritstone likely at or near full saturation, compressive strength is reduced by an estimated 30%+ and climbing risks grain loosening, hold breakage, and permanent route damage.
Early June temperatures averaging only 12.3°C over the past week are below seasonal norms, slowing evaporation; high average humidity of 81% further impedes drying.
Contributing Factors
7
Nearly 29mm over the past 7 days across at least 6 separate rain events has kept the gritstone in a near-continuously wet state with no adequate drying window.
Today's 5.4mm of scattered showers throughout the day resets any incipient drying and maintains surface and internal moisture.
Average humidity of 81% over the past week severely limits evaporative drying even during brief dry spells.
The 7-day average of 12.3°C is cool for June and reduces evaporation rates compared to typical early summer conditions.
Strong sustained winds (21–40 km/h) at the exposed hilltop position will help accelerate surface drying once rain ceases.
The favourable aspect will aid solar drying once clear skies arrive, but cloud cover and continued rain negate this benefit currently.
An additional 7.6mm forecast for June 10th and 3.3mm on June 11th will extend the wet period and prevent meaningful drying until at least June 12th.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Almscliff today or in the next few days — the gritstone is saturated and climbing risks permanent damage to holds and routes.
- Monitor conditions from June 13th onwards: if the forecast dry spell holds, the exposed aspect and wind may allow sufficient drying by late June 13th or June 14th.
- On arrival after the dry spell, check the base of the crag — if the ground is still damp, the rock interior is certainly still wet and you should not climb.
Do Not Climb
92%
9 days ago
Almscliff has received over 25mm of rain in the last 7 days across multiple events, with further rain falling today (5.4mm) and more forecast tomorrow. The rock will be thoroughly saturated internally despite any surface drying during this afternoon's clear spell — climbing today or in the immediate future would risk permanent damage to this irreplaceable gritstone.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's exposed hilltop position and S/W aspect normally aid drying, but the persistent wet spell (six rain days in the last eight) has kept the rock saturated with no meaningful drying window.
- The crag sits on private land — access is a privilege, and climbing on wet gritstone here risks not only route damage but also potential access restrictions if the crag is visibly degraded.
- Low Man's lower tier and north-facing sections will hold moisture significantly longer than the exposed upper walls of High Man.
- The base of the crag and any mossy or seepage-prone areas will remain damp well beyond the main faces — check the ground at the base as a proxy for internal moisture.
Warnings
3
- Climbing on saturated gritstone causes permanent hold breakage and route damage — the surface may look dry this afternoon but the interior will still be dangerously weak.
- Almscliff is on private land; irresponsible climbing in poor conditions risks access restrictions for the entire climbing community.
- Tomorrow's forecast of 8.6mm will worsen already poor conditions significantly.
Reasoning
With 25.3mm over the last 7 days spread across multiple rain events (including 8.8mm on June 6 and 5.4mm today), the gritstone is almost certainly saturated internally well above the critical 1% threshold at which significant weakening begins.
Although the S/W aspect and exposed hilltop position normally help, there has been no consecutive dry period longer than one day in the past week, humidity has averaged 81%, and temperatures have been cool (12.8°C average) — completely insufficient for meaningful drying of porous gritstone.
At this saturation level, compressive strength loss of 10–50% is expected, with high risk of grain loosening and hold breakage that would cause permanent, irreversible damage to routes.
Early June should offer improving conditions, but this unsettled spell with cool temperatures and high humidity is behaving more like a spring pattern, and freeze-thaw is not a concern at current temperatures.
Contributing Factors
5
Over 25mm has fallen in the last 7 days across six separate rain days, with no drying window longer than one day, keeping the rock thoroughly saturated.
5.4mm fell this morning and 8.6mm is forecast for tomorrow, resetting any drying progress and ensuring continued deep saturation.
Average temperature of 12.8°C and humidity of 81% over the past week severely limit evaporation rates from the porous gritstone.
Strong westerly winds (20–35 km/h) at this exposed hilltop site do aid surface evaporation, but cannot overcome the repeated re-wetting from ongoing rain.
The south and west-facing aspects receive reasonable solar radiation in early June, which would assist drying if a sustained dry period materialised.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Almscliff today or in the next few days — the gritstone is saturated from repeated rain and needs at least 48–72 hours of dry, breezy weather to begin drying adequately.
- Monitor the forecast from June 13 onwards: if the predicted dry spell holds with wind, conditions could start to become assessable by June 14–15.
- If visiting, check the ground at the crag base — if it is damp, the rock is certainly still too wet internally regardless of how the surface looks.
Do Not Climb
90%
10 days ago
Almscliff has received over 22mm of rain in the past week with the most recent precipitation today (0.5mm) and a significant 8.8mm event yesterday. The rock will be saturated internally despite the exposed hilltop position, and the forecast shows continued rain every day for the next five days, offering no drying window.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's two-tier structure (Low Man and High Man) means the lower tier receives drainage from above, keeping it wetter for longer even after the upper sections begin to dry.
- The exposed hilltop position normally aids drying significantly, but with humidity averaging 83% over the past week, wind-driven evaporation is greatly reduced.
- Access is on private land and is a privilege — climbing on wet gritstone causing hold damage could jeopardise access for everyone.
- Seepage lines and horizontal breaks common on gritstone outcrops will retain moisture long after the surface appears dry, especially after cumulative rain totals exceeding 20mm.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on saturated gritstone risks permanent hold breakage and route damage — access at Almscliff is on private land and could be revoked.
- The rock surface may appear dry between showers but internal saturation from 22mm+ of recent rain means strength loss of 10–50% is likely.
Reasoning
With 22.5mm of rain over the past seven days — including 8.8mm yesterday and 0.5mm today — the gritstone will be deeply saturated, well above the critical ~1% saturation threshold at which significant weakening begins.
Despite the S/W aspect and exposed position, there have been zero consecutive dry days and humidity has averaged 83%, meaning virtually no effective drying has occurred between rain events.
At current saturation levels, gritstone compressive strength will be reduced by 10–50%, with high risk of grain loosening and hold breakage on this heavily-climbed crag.
Early June temperatures of 13–17°C are moderate but the persistent wet, humid pattern is unusual and has kept the rock in poor condition despite the season.
Contributing Factors
6
22.5mm over the past week including 8.8mm yesterday means the rock is deeply saturated internally.
Rain has fallen today and yesterday with no dry window to allow any meaningful drying.
Average humidity of 83% over the past week severely limits evaporative drying even with wind exposure.
Sustained winds of 20–40 km/h from the SW/W would normally aid drying, but are negated by the high humidity and ongoing rain.
Rain is forecast every day from June 8–12 (totalling 12.8mm), with no drying window in sight until possibly June 13.
The south/west aspect would normally help, but overcast skies and persistent moisture mean solar drying contribution is minimal.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Almscliff today or in the coming days — the gritstone is saturated and structurally weakened.
- Monitor conditions from June 13 onward; at least 48 hours of dry weather with humidity below 70% will be needed before the rock is safe.
- Check the base of the crag on arrival — if the ground is damp, the rock is certainly still wet internally and should not be climbed.
Do Not Climb
92%
11 days ago
Almscliff has received 21mm of rain over the past 7 days including 7.8mm today, with high humidity averaging 82% — the gritstone will be saturated internally despite any surface drying. The forecast offers no meaningful dry window over the next five days, with further rain expected on most days.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's compact hilltop position and exposed aspect normally aid drying, but the persistent rain cycle since June 1st (six out of six days with precipitation) has kept the rock continuously wet with no opportunity to dry.
- The lower tier (Low Man) and north-facing sections will retain moisture significantly longer than the exposed south/west faces of High Man — even if upper surfaces begin to feel dry, lower and sheltered areas will remain saturated.
- Almscliff sits on private land with permissive access; climbing on wet gritstone risks both permanent route damage and jeopardising the access arrangement with the landowner.
- Seepage lines and horizontal breaks common on Almscliff's gritstone tiers will hold water internally for days after this volume of rain, even with the exposed hilltop wind.
Warnings
3
- Climbing on saturated gritstone risks permanent hold breakage and irreversible route damage — Almscliff's classic problems and routes are irreplaceable.
- Access to Almscliff is on private land by permission; climbing on wet rock and causing damage could jeopardise access for all climbers.
- The rock surface may begin to appear dry between showers but internal saturation from 21mm of recent rain will persist — do not be deceived by a dry-looking surface.
Reasoning
With 21mm of rain in the last 7 days — including 7.8mm today — and humidity consistently above 80%, the gritstone is thoroughly saturated both externally and internally.
There have been zero consecutive dry days; although the exposed hilltop and S/W aspect normally accelerate drying, the near-daily rainfall since June 1st has prevented any meaningful drying cycle from beginning.
Gritstone at this saturation level will have lost 30%+ of its compressive strength, making hold breakage and grain loosening a serious risk on both trad routes and boulder problems.
Early June temperatures of 13–17°C are adequate for drying but the relentless precipitation and high humidity are completely negating any seasonal advantage.
Contributing Factors
6
21mm over the past 7 days with rain on six of six days including 7.8mm today means the rock has been continuously re-wetted with no drying window.
There has been no dry period since May 31st, so no meaningful evaporative drying has occurred.
Average humidity of 82% over the past week severely inhibits evaporation even when rain pauses briefly.
Sustained winds of 22–40 km/h and the exposed position would normally accelerate drying, but cannot overcome continuous re-wetting.
The favourable aspect provides good solar exposure in June, which will help once a genuine dry spell begins.
Rain is forecast on 4 of the next 5 days totalling ~13mm, preventing any sustained drying period.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Almscliff today or in the coming days — the rock is saturated and conditions are not expected to improve this week.
- Monitor the forecast beyond June 12th; you will need at least 48 hours of dry, breezy weather with humidity below 70% before considering a visit.
- If you do visit to check conditions, use the base-of-crag test: if the ground and lower rock at the base is damp, the rock is still too wet internally to climb safely.
Do Not Climb
90%
12 days ago
Almscliff has received approximately 13mm of rain over the last five days (June 1–5) with today recording 0.6mm, meaning consecutive dry days stand at zero. With high humidity averaging 79% over the past week and further rain forecast tomorrow, the gritstone will be holding significant internal moisture despite any surface drying from the exposed hilltop winds.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's compact hilltop position and SW/S aspect do aid drying, but the recent sustained wet spell (five consecutive days with rain totalling ~13mm) will have saturated porous gritstone well beyond surface level.
- Low Man's lower tier and north-facing sections hold moisture considerably longer than the exposed upper faces of High Man — expect seepage and damp patches to persist in cracks and horizontal breaks.
- The crag sits on private land with permissive access; climbing on damp rock risks both route damage and the goodwill of the landowner, which could jeopardise future access.
- After a prolonged dry spell through most of May, the recent June rain represents a re-wetting event on previously well-dried rock, but five days of rain has been sufficient to re-saturate the outer layers significantly.
Warnings
3
- Gritstone loses up to 50% of its compressive strength when wet — climbing now risks permanent hold breakage on irreplaceable routes.
- The rock surface may appear dry in wind-exposed areas while remaining dangerously saturated internally; do not be deceived by surface appearance.
- Almscliff is on private land with permissive access — climbing on wet rock and causing damage could jeopardise access for the entire climbing community.
Reasoning
Five consecutive days of rainfall (totalling ~13mm) ending today, combined with sustained high humidity (79–87%), mean the gritstone is likely saturated well beyond the surface despite the exposed position.
Strong westerly/south-westerly winds (25–40 km/h) and the exposed hilltop aspect are favourable for drying, but with zero consecutive dry days and persistent high humidity, meaningful drying has not yet begun.
Gritstone at ~13°C with recent repeated wetting will have lost a significant proportion of its compressive strength; climbing now risks hold breakage and accelerated erosion on this premium crag.
Early June temperatures (13–18°C) are adequate for drying but not exceptional, and the unsettled weather pattern with further rain forecast limits recovery opportunities over the coming days.
Contributing Factors
6
Approximately 13mm of rain fell over five consecutive days (June 1–5), thoroughly re-wetting the gritstone after a long dry May.
Today recorded 0.6mm of precipitation, so no meaningful drying period has commenced yet.
Average humidity over the last week was 79%, significantly slowing evaporative drying from the rock surface.
Sustained winds of 25–40 km/h at the exposed hilltop position will accelerate drying once rain stops, but this benefit has not yet been realised.
South and west-facing aspects receive good June solar radiation, which will aid drying once a dry spell establishes — but cloud cover and rain have limited this effect recently.
6.9mm forecast for tomorrow (June 6) with additional rain on June 7, 8, and 10, preventing any sustained drying window in the near term.
Recommendations
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- Do not climb today or over the coming days — wait for at least 48 hours of genuinely dry weather with humidity below 70% before considering a visit.
- Monitor conditions for a dry window after June 9; if June 10's forecast rain does not materialise, June 11 onward could begin to offer possibilities pending further forecasts.
- On arrival after any future dry spell, check the ground at the base of the crag — if the soil is damp, assume the rock is still too wet internally to climb safely.
Climbing Outlook