Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
The crag received 10.8mm of heavy rain on Aug 20 followed by a good 5-day drying window, but light rain today (0.5mm) has re-wetted the surface, and a major wet spell (15.8mm tomorrow, then further rain through Aug 30) is about to arrive. Conditions are marginal right now and about to deteriorate significantly — we recommend not climbing.
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 easterly wind today offers little benefit to the south and west-facing rock.
- The two-tier structure means Low Man's base and sheltered recesses between the tiers will retain moisture longer than the exposed upper faces of High Man.
- Private land access means responsible behaviour is especially important — climbing on damp grit risks permanent damage to holds and could jeopardise access.
- The sequence of light rain events (Aug 16–19) followed by the heavy 10.8mm on Aug 20 means the rock was deeply saturated; even 5 dry days may not have fully dried the interior before today's re-wetting.
Warnings
2
- A prolonged wet spell of ~34mm is forecast from Aug 27–30; do not attempt to climb during or immediately after this period.
- Almscliff is on private land — climbing on damp grit causing hold damage could threaten continued access for everyone.
Reasoning
After 10.8mm on Aug 20 and smaller amounts on Aug 16–19, the rock had approximately 5 dry days to recover, but humidity remained in the 72–78% range throughout, limiting drying efficiency, and today's 0.5mm shower has re-wetted the surface.
The 5 dry days (Aug 21–25) with moderate westerly/easterly winds and temperatures around 18–19°C would have dried exposed south-facing surfaces reasonably well, but today's light rain and imminent heavy rain tomorrow negate this progress.
The recent heavy rain on Aug 20 deeply saturated the gritstone, and while surface layers have likely dried, internal moisture may persist in sheltered sections — climbing risks grain loosening and hold breakage on a crag where every hold matters.
Late August offers reasonable temperatures for drying but the incoming unsettled spell with high humidity (86–90%) will keep the rock wet for an extended period.
Contributing Factors
6
10.8mm of rain on Aug 20 deeply saturated the gritstone after a preceding week of cumulative light rain (Aug 16–19 totalling ~6.9mm).
Aug 21–25 were dry with moderate winds and temperatures around 18–19°C, allowing significant surface drying on exposed faces.
0.5mm of rain today around 14:00–15:00 re-wets the surface and resets drying progress on a crag that may not have been fully dry internally.
15.8mm forecast for Aug 27 followed by further rain on Aug 28–30 (totalling ~34mm) will thoroughly saturate the rock for days.
Humidity averaging 78% over the past week and forecast at 86–90% for the next few days severely limits evaporative drying.
Almscliff's exposed position catches wind well, which normally accelerates drying, though today's easterly wind is less beneficial for the S/W-facing rock.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the light rain this afternoon and residual internal moisture from Aug 20 make conditions uncertain, and heavy rain arrives tomorrow.
- Wait until at least 48–72 hours after the last rain in the upcoming wet spell (potentially not until Sep 2–3 at earliest) before revisiting.
- Check the base of the crag on arrival — if the ground around Low Man is damp, the rock is certainly not ready.
Previous Analyses
Marginal — Assess Conditions
72%
57 days ago
Almscliff has had four consecutive dry days following 10.8mm of heavy rain on August 20th (preceded by several lighter rain days), with moderate temperatures and decent wind on the exposed hilltop. Conditions are likely dry on most faces but a visual check is warranted, especially as a significant wet spell is forecast from tomorrow onwards — today may be the last good window for some time.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The exposed hilltop position and S/W aspect mean Almscliff dries faster than many gritstone crags, but the preceding wet spell (cumulative ~17mm from Aug 16–20) loaded the rock more than a single shower would.
- Low Man features sheltered sections and lower-tier rock that drains more slowly — check the base of routes for dampness before committing.
- Private land access means responsible behaviour is essential; climbing on damp rock and damaging holds could jeopardise access for everyone.
- A major wet spell is forecast from Aug 25–29 (~67mm), so today represents the best climbing window for at least a week.
Warnings
2
- A very heavy wet spell (67mm+) begins tomorrow — do not plan climbing at Almscliff from Aug 25th onwards until an extended dry period follows.
- Almscliff is on private land; climbing on damp rock and damaging holds risks losing access for the entire climbing community.
Reasoning
The last significant rain was 10.8mm on August 20th, preceded by lighter rain on Aug 16–19 (cumulative ~7mm), and there have been four full dry days since; the exposed hilltop with S/W aspect and moderate wind should have allowed most of the rock to dry, though deeper seepage zones may retain some moisture.
Four dry days with temperatures around 15–19°C, humidity 71–76%, and winds of 13–19 km/h on the exposed hilltop provide reasonable but not exceptional drying conditions — sufficient for a 10.8mm event on well-exposed faces but marginal for any sheltered or north-facing sections.
The cumulative wet period (Aug 16–20) means gritstone at depth may not be fully dried, posing some residual risk of grain loosening on heavily loaded holds, though surface friction should be restored on most faces.
Mid-to-late summer conditions are generally favourable for drying, with adequate daylight hours and reasonable temperatures, though the recent cool spell (avg 13.4°C over 7 days) is below typical summer values.
Contributing Factors
5
Four consecutive dry days since the 10.8mm rain on Aug 20th meet the minimum two-day guideline for lighter rain, though the cumulative preceding wet spell warrants caution.
Almscliff's exposed position and south/west-facing rock receive good solar radiation and wind, significantly accelerating drying compared to sheltered or north-facing crags.
The 10.8mm on Aug 20th was preceded by 6.9mm over Aug 16–19, meaning the rock was repeatedly wetted over five days before the drying window began.
Temperatures of 15–19°C and winds of 13–19 km/h provide adequate but not exceptional drying — lower than peak summer conditions.
Over 67mm of rain is forecast from Aug 25–29, meaning conditions will deteriorate sharply from tomorrow and the crag will be unsuitable for climbing for many days after.
Recommendations
3
- Climb today if possible — this is likely the last dry window for a week or more; focus on the afternoon when humidity is lowest (48–53%) and wind is strongest.
- Visually inspect the rock and check for dampness at the base of routes, especially on Low Man and any north-facing sections, before climbing.
- Avoid routes with known seepage lines or heavily sheltered sections where moisture may linger from the cumulative wet spell.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
70%
58 days ago
Three dry days following heavy rain (10.8mm on Aug 20, plus lighter rain on Aug 16–19) with moderate temperatures and reasonable wind should have dried Almscliff's exposed, south/west-facing gritstone adequately, but the preceding wet spell and currently high average humidity (82% over the last week) introduce enough uncertainty to warrant a visual check on arrival. Conditions are likely acceptable today but climbers should verify dryness before committing.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's exposed hilltop position and S/W aspect give it above-average drying, but the cumulative rain from Aug 16–20 (~17.7mm over five days) means internal moisture may linger in lower sections and seepage lines despite three dry days.
- The base of the crag and north-facing sections (particularly around Low Man's shaded areas) will have dried more slowly than the upper, sun-exposed faces of High Man.
- Access is on private land — climbing on visibly damp rock risks not only route damage but also jeopardising the access agreement for all climbers.
- A major rainfall event is forecast for Aug 27–28 (60mm+), so this week offers a narrow window of climbable conditions before an extended wet period.
Warnings
2
- Over 60mm of rain is forecast for Aug 27–28 — do not climb on or immediately after these days; the rock will need several days to dry.
- Access is on private land; climbing on damp rock risks permanent route damage and could jeopardise access for all climbers.
Reasoning
The 10.8mm event on Aug 20, preceded by lighter rain on Aug 16–19, will have saturated the porous gritstone, but three full dry days with moderate wind and temperatures around 15–18°C on an exposed hilltop should have brought surface and near-surface rock close to dry.
The S/W aspect and exposed position at 270m accelerate drying significantly; however, average humidity of 82% over the last week and moderate temperatures (~14°C average) have slowed evaporation compared to ideal summer conditions, making the 3-day drying period borderline rather than fully adequate for the cumulative wet spell.
The gritstone should be approaching safe structural integrity after three dry days following a moderate rain event, but internal moisture cannot be fully ruled out — the preceding multi-day wet spell (Aug 16–20) allowed deeper penetration than a single shower would.
Mid-to-late August offers reasonable daylight and temperatures for drying, though this week's below-average temperatures and above-average humidity have reduced the seasonal advantage.
Contributing Factors
6
Three full dry days since the last rain (10.8mm on Aug 20) provide a reasonable drying window, approaching the two-day minimum guideline for porous rock.
Almscliff's exposed position and south/west-facing aspect maximise wind exposure and solar drying, significantly accelerating moisture loss compared to sheltered or north-facing crags.
Nearly 18mm fell across Aug 16–20, including 10.8mm on a single day, meaning the rock was repeatedly wetted before the current dry spell — deeper saturation requires longer drying.
Average humidity of 82% over the last seven days limits evaporative drying potential, slowing the rate at which internal moisture escapes the rock.
Temperatures averaging ~14°C are adequate but well below peak summer values, providing less thermal energy for evaporation than ideal conditions.
Over 60mm of rain is forecast for Aug 27–28, meaning conditions will deteriorate sharply later this week and the current window is narrow.
Recommendations
3
- Visually inspect the rock before climbing — check the base of the crag for dampness, and test holds on lower sections where moisture lingers longest.
- Prioritise upper and south/west-facing sections of High Man, which will have dried fastest; avoid any shaded recesses or north-facing walls that may still hold moisture.
- Plan to climb in the next 2–3 days (Aug 23–26) as the massive rainfall forecast for Aug 27–28 will render conditions unsafe for an extended period afterward.
Do Not Climb
40%
59 days ago
Almscliff received 10.8mm of heavy rain on August 20th followed by only one full dry day and a trace of rain today; despite the exposed hilltop position and favourable aspect, the rock has not had sufficient drying time after a wet week totalling nearly 18mm. The gritstone is very likely still holding internal moisture, particularly in lower sections and shaded features.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's hilltop position and S/W aspect give it above-average drying potential, but the 10.8mm on the 20th following several days of lighter rain (6.9mm from 16th–19th) means the rock entered that downpour already partially saturated.
- Low Man sits below High Man and receives less wind and sun — expect it to retain moisture significantly longer than High Man's upper faces.
- The compact two-tier layout means drainage from High Man feeds moisture onto Low Man features below, prolonging damp conditions on the lower tier.
- Average temperature over the last 7 days has been only 13.9°C with 82% humidity — well below ideal drying conditions for August in Yorkshire.
Warnings
2
- Do not climb today — the gritstone is almost certainly still wet internally after 10.8mm of rain only two days ago, risking permanent hold damage on this irreplaceable crag.
- Access to Almscliff is on private land and a privilege; climbing on wet rock risks both route damage and the goodwill of the landowner.
Reasoning
The 10.8mm on Aug 20th came on top of 6.9mm spread across Aug 16–19, meaning the rock was already partially saturated before the heaviest rain; only ~1.5 dry days have elapsed since, which is insufficient for internal drying of porous gritstone.
Despite Almscliff's exposed S/W aspect, winds have been lighter than average (13–18 km/h) and from the north/NW — not directly onto the main faces — while humidity has remained high at 75–90%, limiting evaporation rates significantly.
With the rock likely still holding substantial internal moisture from the cumulative 17.8mm over the past week, climbing risks hold breakage and grain loosening, particularly on the heavily trafficked popular lines.
Mid-to-late August should offer reasonable drying conditions, but this week's below-average temperatures (~14°C mean) and elevated humidity have created unseasonably poor drying weather.
Contributing Factors
7
10.8mm fell on Aug 20th on top of 6.9mm from the preceding four days, leaving the gritstone deeply saturated.
Only approximately 1.5 dry days have passed since the last significant rain, well short of the 48–72+ hours needed after heavy rain.
Humidity has averaged 82% over the past week with today at 75%, substantially slowing evaporation from the rock surface.
Mean temperature of 13.9°C over the last week is cool for August, reducing the rate of moisture evaporation.
Almscliff's fully exposed hilltop setting allows wind to reach all faces, providing the best possible airflow for drying.
South and west-facing rock receives good afternoon and evening sun, accelerating surface drying on main faces.
Winds today are only 13.3 km/h from the NW, not directly onto the main S/W faces, reducing their drying benefit.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least until August 24th before considering a visit, allowing 3+ full dry days after the heavy rain — and even then, visually check the rock and ground moisture at the crag base before climbing.
- Prioritise High Man's upper south-facing walls if visiting, as these will dry fastest; avoid Low Man and any north-facing or shaded features.
- Use the ground-moisture test: if the soil and rock at the base of the crag feels damp, the gritstone above is almost certainly still wet internally — do not climb.
Do Not Climb
35%
60 days ago
Almscliff received 10.8mm of heavy rain yesterday (Aug 20) followed by only one dry day so far, which is insufficient drying time for gritstone even with the crag's exposed hilltop position. The preceding days (Aug 16–19) also delivered cumulative light rain totalling ~6.9mm, meaning the rock entered yesterday's heavy downpour already carrying moisture — internal saturation is likely still significant.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's exposed hilltop position and S/W aspect give it above-average drying potential, but 10.8mm of rain on already-moist rock from the preceding 4 days means the gritstone will have absorbed substantial water despite the favourable setting.
- The two-tier structure (Low Man and High Man) means lower sections and north-facing flanks will retain moisture considerably longer than the south-facing upper walls.
- Private land access is a privilege — climbing on damp rock risks both route damage and the goodwill of the landowner, which could jeopardise future access.
- Seepage lines and cracks common on gritstone outcrops can hold water for days after heavy rain, even when face surfaces appear dry.
Warnings
2
- The rock surface may appear dry before the interior has adequately dried — do not be deceived; gritstone loses up to 50% of its compressive strength when wet.
- Climbing on damp gritstone at a privately-owned crag like Almscliff risks both permanent route damage and loss of access for the entire climbing community.
Reasoning
The 10.8mm heavy rain on Aug 20 fell onto rock already dampened by 6.9mm of cumulative light rain over Aug 16–19, meaning pore saturation is likely well above the critical thresholds for strength loss.
Only one full dry day (today, Aug 21) has elapsed since the heavy rain, with moderate wind (~21 km/h northerly) and cool temperatures (max 15.4°C) — far short of the 48–72+ hours of good drying conditions needed after heavy rain on pre-moistened gritstone.
With the rock likely still substantially saturated internally, climbing risks grain loosening and hold breakage — the surface may appear drier than the interior truly is, creating a dangerous false sense of security.
Mid-to-late August conditions are reasonable for drying but the recent cool, humid spell (average 81% humidity, 14.4°C over the last week) has significantly hampered evaporation rates.
Contributing Factors
5
10.8mm fell on Aug 20 onto rock already carrying moisture from 6.9mm of rain over the preceding four days, driving deep internal saturation.
Only one dry day since heavy rain, well short of the 48–72+ hours minimum required after >10mm precipitation on pre-wetted gritstone.
The last seven days averaged only 14.4°C with 81% humidity, severely limiting evaporation rates from the rock.
Almscliff's exposed position and south/west-facing orientation provide above-average wind and solar drying, which will help but cannot compensate for only one day of drying.
Today's northerly wind does not directly hit the south/west-facing main walls, reducing effective wind-drying on the primary climbing faces.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least until Aug 23 (two full additional dry days) before considering climbing, and even then visually inspect the rock carefully, especially cracks and lower sections.
- Check the base of the crag — if the ground is still damp, the rock is almost certainly still wet internally regardless of surface appearance.
- If you visit, prioritise the upper south/west-facing walls of High Man which will dry fastest; avoid north-facing faces, cracks, and Low Man's sheltered sections.
Do Not Climb
93%
61 days ago
Almscliff has received 5.5mm of rain today (mostly overnight through midday) on top of several days of showery weather totalling ~12.8mm over the past week. The gritstone will be thoroughly saturated and needs at least 48 hours of dry weather to begin drying adequately.
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 fast drying, but today's northerly wind reduces the benefit of aspect and cloud cover has been 100% for most of the day.
- The two-tier structure means Low Man stays wetter longer as water drains down from High Man — even when upper faces feel dry, lower walls and bases can remain damp.
- Access is on private land and is a privilege; climbing on wet gritstone risks both permanent hold damage and loss of access goodwill.
- The preceding 4-day run of showers (Aug 16–19, totalling ~7.3mm) means the rock had no chance to dry internally before today's heavier 5.5mm soaking.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on saturated gritstone risks permanent, irreversible hold damage — Almscliff's classic problems and routes cannot be replaced.
- Access is on private land; irresponsible behaviour (including climbing on wet rock) jeopardises continued access for all climbers.
Reasoning
The rock is fully saturated today after 5.5mm of rain on top of four consecutive days of light-to-moderate precipitation (Aug 16–19), giving it no opportunity to dry internally.
Despite the exposed position, today's 100% cloud cover, northerly wind (reducing the benefit of the S/W aspect), and high humidity (~85%) mean virtually no meaningful drying has occurred or will occur today.
Gritstone at near-full saturation will have lost 30%+ compressive strength, making hold breakage a serious risk — especially on well-trafficked problems and routes.
Mid-August temperatures are moderate (15°C) but well above freezing, so freeze-thaw is not a concern; however the recent unsettled spell with above-average humidity is slowing drying considerably.
Contributing Factors
5
5.5mm of rain fell mostly between midnight and midday, thoroughly wetting the rock surface and driving moisture deep into the porous gritstone.
Four consecutive days of showers (Aug 16–19, ~7.3mm total) preceded today's rain, meaning the rock was already holding significant internal moisture before the heaviest event.
Humidity has been 85%+ for most of the day with 100% cloud cover, severely limiting evaporation from the rock surface.
The N wind does not directly strike the S/W-facing rock, reducing the wind-drying advantage that Almscliff's aspect normally provides.
Almscliff's exposed setting means any wind still provides some airflow around the crag, which will help once conditions improve tomorrow.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the gritstone is saturated and holds are at serious risk of breakage.
- Wait for at least 48 hours of dry weather from the last rain before visiting; the earliest realistic window is August 22 if the forecast holds.
- Check the base of the crag on arrival — if the ground is damp, the rock is still wet internally regardless of how the surface looks.
Do Not Climb
90%
62 days ago
The rock is currently wet from rain earlier today (3.2mm total) following several days of light but persistent precipitation, and a massive 32.2mm deluge is forecast for tomorrow. Conditions are unsuitable for climbing today and will remain so for several days.
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 excellent for drying, but the recent pattern of repeated light rain (Aug 16–19) has kept the rock persistently moist with no meaningful drying window.
- The two-tier structure means Low Man bases and sheltered corners between High Man and Low Man will retain moisture longer than the exposed upper walls.
- Private land access means responsible behaviour is paramount — climbing on damp gritstone risks both hold damage and loss of access privileges.
- North-facing aspects on the back of the crag will dry significantly slower than the main south/west-facing walls after the heavy rain forecast for Aug 20.
Warnings
2
- Tomorrow's 32.2mm rainfall will heavily saturate the gritstone — do not underestimate internal moisture even if surfaces appear dry by Aug 22.
- Almscliff is on private land; climbing on wet gritstone risks permanent hold damage and could jeopardise access for all climbers.
Reasoning
The rock has received rain on four of the last four days (Aug 16: 1.3mm, Aug 17: 1.1mm, Aug 18: 1.7mm, Aug 19: 3.2mm with heavy showers mid-morning), leaving the gritstone saturated with no adequate drying interval.
Despite the exposed position and westerly winds (~27 km/h today), the persistent rain and high humidity (83–95%) have prevented any meaningful drying; the brief afternoon clearing today (56–65% humidity) is far too short to dry porous gritstone.
Gritstone that has been repeatedly wetted over four consecutive days will have significant internal saturation, posing serious risk of hold breakage and grain loosening — strength loss of 10–50% is expected.
Mid-August should offer reasonable drying conditions, but the current unsettled spell and tomorrow's 32mm deluge will reset any drying progress and keep the rock wet well into the week.
Contributing Factors
6
3.2mm of rain fell today, with the heaviest showers around 10:00–11:00, leaving the rock surface wet.
Rain on Aug 16, 17, 18, and 19 (totalling ~7.3mm) has kept the gritstone persistently damp with no drying window.
A forecast 32.2mm of rain on Aug 20 will thoroughly saturate the rock and reset any drying progress entirely.
Humidity has been 75–95% over recent days, severely limiting evaporative drying from the rock surface.
Almscliff's exposed position and moderate westerly winds (23–28 km/h) will aid drying once rain stops, but cannot compensate for active precipitation.
From Aug 21 onward, several consecutive dry days are forecast with declining humidity, which will eventually allow the rock to dry.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today or tomorrow — the rock is wet and a 32mm downpour is imminent.
- The earliest realistic window is Aug 23 or later; check conditions on arrival by feeling the base of the crag for dampness.
- Use the dry spell from Aug 21 onward to monitor conditions, but allow at least 48–72 hours of dry weather after the heavy rain before climbing.
Do Not Climb
90%
63 days ago
Almscliff has received rain on three consecutive days (Aug 16–18), with 2.4mm falling today including overnight showers, and more rain is forecast tomorrow and heavily on Aug 20. The rock is currently wet and there is no adequate drying window in the immediate future.
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 rapid drying, but persistent cloud cover (100% all day) and high humidity are negating these advantages today.
- Low Man's lower tier and north-facing flanks will hold moisture significantly longer than the more exposed upper sections of High Man.
- Access is on private land and climbing on wet gritstone risks both permanent route damage and loss of the access privilege — extra restraint is warranted.
- Seepage lines around crack systems and horizontal breaks are common at Almscliff and will remain damp well after surfaces appear dry.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on wet gritstone causes permanent, irreversible damage to holds and route surfaces — do not climb if any doubt remains.
- Access to Almscliff is on private land; irresponsible climbing in poor conditions risks losing access for all climbers.
Reasoning
Rain fell overnight and in the early hours today (2.4mm total), following 1.3mm on Aug 16 and 1.8mm on Aug 17 — the rock is currently wet through with cumulative moisture from three consecutive wet days.
Despite strong westerly winds (up to 35 km/h) today, 100% cloud cover, high humidity (85%), and cool temperatures (~16°C) mean virtually no effective solar drying is occurring, and the S/W aspect advantage is entirely nullified.
With three days of intermittent wetting the gritstone will be at or near saturation in many areas, meaning compressive strength is significantly reduced (potentially 30%+) and holds are at real risk of breakage.
Mid-August should offer good drying conditions, but this unsettled spell with further rain forecast on Aug 19 and heavy rain on Aug 20 means conditions will not improve for several days.
Contributing Factors
5
Rain on Aug 16 (1.3mm), Aug 17 (1.8mm), and Aug 18 (2.4mm) means the rock has had no chance to dry and is approaching saturation.
A further 1.9mm is forecast for Aug 19 followed by 8.5mm on Aug 20, ensuring the rock will remain wet or be re-wetted before any drying can occur.
100% cloud cover all day today with humidity 69–97% severely limits evaporative drying despite moderate temperatures.
Sustained 25–35 km/h westerly winds hitting the exposed S/W faces will provide some surface drying, but this is insufficient to dry saturated rock internally.
Maximum of only 16.5°C today is well below recent averages and reduces evaporation rates.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock is wet from overnight rain and has been intermittently wetted for three days.
- The earliest realistic window is Aug 22 at the earliest, but only if the heavy rain on Aug 20 clears as forecast and two full dry days follow — check conditions on arrival.
- Monitor forecasts closely; if Aug 20 rain exceeds predictions, push back plans further.
Do Not Climb
80%
64 days ago
Almscliff received 4.6mm yesterday and 1.3mm today, with very high humidity (87%) and 100% cloud cover suppressing drying; the rock is almost certainly still damp internally. Tomorrow brings a further 5.6mm of rain, and a second wet spell of 6.9mm is forecast for the 20th, so meaningful drying is unlikely before the 22nd at the earliest.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's hilltop exposure normally aids drying, but today's very light winds (3–9 km/h) and near-saturated humidity negate this advantage.
- The Low Man tier and north-facing nooks hold moisture longer than the main south/west-facing walls — these areas will be the last to dry.
- Access is on private land and the crag is a finite gritstone resource; climbing on damp rock here risks both access and irreversible route damage.
- Seepage can persist in horizontal breaks and the numerous crack systems even when vertical faces appear surface-dry.
Warnings
2
- Gritstone can appear surface-dry while still critically weakened internally — do not rely on a touch test alone.
- Repeated light wetting events over the past week mean cumulative internal moisture is higher than any single rainfall total suggests.
Reasoning
With 4.6mm on the 16th and 1.3mm today, plus overnight humidity above 90%, the rock is likely saturated or near-saturated internally despite the relatively modest rainfall totals.
Today's winds are exceptionally light (under 9 km/h for most of the day) with 100% cloud cover and humidity in the 80–95% range, meaning virtually no effective drying has occurred since yesterday's rain.
Gritstone at even low saturation levels suffers significant compressive strength loss; climbing today or tomorrow would risk hold breakage and accelerated erosion on this heavily trafficked crag.
Mid-August should offer reasonable drying potential, but the current unsettled pattern with repeated light-to-moderate rain every 1–2 days is preventing the rock from fully drying out between showers.
Contributing Factors
6
4.6mm fell on the 16th and 1.3mm today, with insufficient drying time and conditions between events to clear moisture from the rock.
Humidity has been 80–95% all day with 100% cloud cover, severely suppressing evaporation from the rock surface.
Winds have been only 3–9 km/h for most of the day, far below the exposed hilltop's usual levels and insufficient to drive meaningful drying.
5.6mm is forecast for the 18th, which will re-saturate any surface that has begun to dry and reset the drying clock.
The favourable aspect would normally aid drying, but 100% cloud cover today eliminates any solar radiation benefit.
Temperatures around 17–19°C provide some baseline evaporation potential, though this is largely offset by humidity and cloud.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today or tomorrow — the rock is damp and further rain is imminent.
- The earliest realistic window is the 22nd, after 5.6mm on the 18th and 6.9mm on the 20th have had at least 36 hours of drying in lower humidity.
- Check the base of the crag for damp ground before committing — if the soil is moist, the rock is still wet inside.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
72%
65 days ago
Almscliff has had an excellent extended dry spell from August 6–15 (10 consecutive dry days) with warm temperatures and good wind, but today (Aug 16) brought 0.4mm of light precipitation. The rock should still be fundamentally dry from the prolonged drying period, though the very light rain today means a visual check is warranted before committing to climb.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's exposed hilltop position and S/W aspect mean it benefits from strong wind-drying and afternoon sun, making it one of the faster-drying gritstone crags in Yorkshire.
- The crag has two tiers (Low Man and High Man) — Low Man's lower sections and north-facing aspects will hold moisture longer than the exposed upper walls of High Man.
- The preceding 10-day dry spell (Aug 6–15) with temperatures reaching 33°C on Aug 13 means the rock was thoroughly dried internally before today's trace rainfall.
- Access is on private land and is a privilege — climbing on damp rock risks both route damage and the goodwill of the landowner.
Warnings
1
- The upcoming unsettled period (Aug 17–20) will bring cumulative light rain — do not assume the rock remains dry through this period despite individually small totals.
Reasoning
Today's 0.4mm is a trace amount falling on rock that was deeply dried by a 10-day spell of warm, windy weather including a heatwave peaking at 33°C — surface wetting only, with internal rock almost certainly dry.
The S/W aspect and exposed hilltop with ~21 km/h westerly winds mean even today's trace moisture should evaporate within hours, and the deep drying from the preceding spell is largely preserved.
Structural risk is very low given the prolonged prior drying period; 0.4mm of rain on thoroughly dried gritstone poses negligible weakening risk.
Mid-August is peak summer season with long daylight hours, warm temperatures, and no freeze-thaw concerns — optimal conditions for climbing on gritstone.
Contributing Factors
5
Ten consecutive dry days (Aug 6–15) with temperatures up to 33°C ensured thorough internal drying of the rock.
0.4mm today breaks the dry streak, though this is barely more than heavy dew and unlikely to penetrate deeply into well-dried rock.
Consistent westerly winds around 20 km/h on the exposed hilltop will rapidly evaporate any surface moisture from today's trace rain.
South and west-facing rock receives strong afternoon solar radiation in August, accelerating surface and near-surface drying.
The next four days (Aug 17–20) each bring light rain (0.5–1.9mm), meaning conditions will deteriorate before improving around Aug 21.
Recommendations
3
- Today: perform a visual and touch check on arrival — if the rock surface feels dry and the base of the crag is sandy-dry, conditions should be fine for climbing given the excellent prior drying.
- The forecast shows repeated light rain through Aug 20; plan sessions for Aug 21 onwards when a dry window opens with lower humidity.
- Stick to the well-exposed upper faces of High Man which will dry fastest; avoid shaded lower sections of Low Man or any areas with visible seepage.
Climbing Outlook