Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Almscliff has had 9 consecutive dry days with warm temperatures, low humidity, and consistent wind — the rock will be thoroughly dry. This is an excellent window for climbing before rain arrives on the 17th–18th.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's exposed hilltop position and south/west aspect mean it benefits from both direct solar heating and consistent wind, making it one of the faster-drying gritstone venues in Yorkshire.
- The two-tier structure (Low Man and High Man) means the base of High Man and sheltered areas between the tiers can hold moisture longer than the exposed upper faces, but after 9 dry days this is not a concern.
- Access is on private land — climbing here is a privilege, so respecting wet-rock ethics and minimising impact is especially important for maintaining continued access.
- Heavy rain forecast on the 18th (13.7mm) will require a full 48–72 hour drying reset; plan sessions before or well after this event.
Reasoning
The last meaningful rain was 1.7mm on August 5th — nine full dry days ago — and prior rainfall has been only light and intermittent, so internal moisture will have fully dissipated.
Nine days of dry weather with temperatures averaging ~19°C, humidity around 62%, and sustained winds of 17–27 km/h on an exposed south/west-facing hilltop provide far more drying than the 24–48 hours needed after light rain.
With the rock thoroughly dry after an extended dry spell in summer, there is no meaningful risk of strength loss or hold breakage from internal moisture.
Mid-August provides long daylight hours, warm temperatures, and no freeze-thaw risk — this is prime gritstone season.
Contributing Factors
6
Nine consecutive dry days since the last light rain (1.7mm on Aug 5th) far exceed the 24–48 hour minimum required for light precipitation.
Temperatures averaging 19–33°C over the past week drive strong evaporation and thorough internal drying.
Consistent winds of 17–27 km/h across the exposed hilltop significantly accelerate surface and sub-surface drying.
South and west-facing rock receives excellent solar radiation through the afternoon, maximising drying potential.
Average humidity of 62% over the last week allows effective evaporation, well below levels that would stall drying.
Heavy rain (13.7mm) is forecast for August 18th, which will end this dry window and require 48–72 hours of drying afterwards.
Recommendations
3
- Climb today through the 16th to make the most of this excellent dry window before rain arrives on the 17th–18th.
- After the heavy rain on the 18th, allow at least 48–72 hours of dry weather before returning, even though Almscliff dries relatively quickly.
- Use soft boar's-hair brushes only and minimise chalk to respect the private-land access arrangement.
Previous Analyses
Likely Safe to Climb
95%
2 days ago
Almscliff is in excellent condition today. Eight consecutive dry days with moderate-to-strong winds, warm summer temperatures, and low humidity have thoroughly dried the rock after the last trivial rainfall (1.7mm on August 5th). Today's conditions — 33°C, 22% humidity, and a southerly breeze — are as good as it gets for 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 mean it benefits greatly from the persistent westerly winds and solar radiation of the past week, making drying exceptionally efficient.
- The total rainfall over the past 28 days has been just 6.4mm spread across several trace events — the rock has had ample time to dry internally as well as externally.
- Low Man's north-facing sections and any shaded recesses at the base may have retained marginally more moisture, but after 8 dry days this is negligible.
- A significant rain event (24.6mm) is forecast for August 17th — plan sessions before then, as the crag will need 48–72+ hours of dry weather to recover afterwards.
Reasoning
With 8 consecutive dry days since the last light rain (1.7mm on Aug 5), average humidity around 61%, and strong winds, the rock is thoroughly dry both internally and externally.
The S/W aspect and exposed hilltop position combined with sustained westerly winds (17–26 km/h) and warm temperatures (18–30°C) over the past week have provided far more drying than needed for such light rainfall.
Structural risk is negligible — the rock is well within safe moisture levels after over a week of effective drying, and there is no freeze-thaw concern in August.
Mid-summer conditions are optimal for gritstone climbing, with long daylight hours, warm temperatures, and efficient drying; today's 33°C peak and 22% minimum humidity are exceptional.
Contributing Factors
6
No measurable precipitation since August 5th (1.7mm), providing far more drying time than required for such light rain.
Humidity dropping to 22% this afternoon with temperatures above 33°C creates exceptional evaporative conditions.
Sustained winds of 17–26 km/h from the west over the past week on this exposed hilltop have dramatically accelerated drying.
South and west-facing rock receives strong solar radiation through the afternoon, maximising surface and subsurface drying.
Only 6.4mm total over the past 28 days means the rock never approached significant saturation levels.
24.6mm of rain is forecast for August 17th, which will require 48–72+ hours of dry weather before the crag is safe again.
Recommendations
3
- Conditions are excellent today and through August 16th — make the most of this dry window before the heavy rain forecast on August 17th.
- Be mindful that Almscliff is on private land; respect access by keeping noise low, avoiding litter, and parking considerately.
- Carry a soft boar's-hair brush for tick marks and minimise chalk use to preserve the rock and maintain good relations with the landowner.
Likely Safe to Climb
93%
3 days ago
Almscliff has had 7 consecutive dry days following only very light, scattered showers (1.7mm max on any single day), with warm temperatures, moderate-to-strong winds, and a favourable S/W aspect — the rock should be thoroughly dry. Today's conditions are excellent with low humidity and sunshine through the afternoon.
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 excellent wind and solar drying, making it one of the faster-drying gritstone venues in Yorkshire.
- The base of Low Man and shaded north-facing corners can retain moisture longer than the prominent walls, so check these areas if climbing lower-tier problems.
- Access is on private land — respect the landowner's goodwill by staying on paths, not littering, and avoiding climbing when conditions are marginal.
- Early morning condensation/dew is possible given the high overnight humidity (88–92% around dawn), but this will burn off quickly once temperatures rise and humidity drops below 50% by late morning.
Reasoning
The last meaningful rain was 1.7mm on 5 August (7 days ago), preceded by similarly trivial amounts, and total rainfall over 28 days is only 6.4mm — internal moisture levels should be negligible.
Seven consecutive dry days with warm temperatures (avg ~17°C), strong westerly winds (17–27 km/h), and a south/west aspect receiving ample solar radiation have provided far more drying time than the 24–48 hours needed after such light rain.
With such thorough drying after minimal precipitation, the risk of hold breakage or grain loosening from residual moisture is essentially zero.
Mid-summer conditions are ideal — long days, warm temperatures, and no freeze-thaw risk; this is peak gritstone season.
Contributing Factors
7
Seven consecutive dry days since the last light shower (1.7mm on Aug 5) far exceeds the 24–48 hour minimum drying guideline for light rain.
Only 6.4mm total over the past 28 days means the rock has had minimal wetting to recover from.
Temperatures averaging around 17°C over the last week, peaking at nearly 30°C today, strongly promote evaporative drying.
Sustained winds of 17–27 km/h across the exposed hilltop continuously move moist air away from the rock surface, accelerating drying.
The south and west facing rock receives strong solar radiation through the afternoon, maximising surface and sub-surface drying.
Humidity drops to 27–32% this afternoon, creating an excellent evaporative gradient that draws residual moisture from the rock.
Overnight humidity reaches 88–92% which may deposit light dew, but this is purely superficial and will evaporate within an hour or two of morning sunshine.
Recommendations
3
- Conditions are excellent — enjoy the crag, but wait until mid-morning if arriving early to let any overnight dew burn off.
- Light rain (0.2mm) is forecast tomorrow; this is trivial but check that the rock feels dry if climbing in the morning on Aug 14.
- Remember this is private land — keep a low profile, take all rubbish, and use soft brushes only.
Likely Safe to Climb
92%
5 days ago
Almscliff has had 5 consecutive dry days following only very light rain (1.7mm on Aug 5), with good winds and warm summer temperatures providing excellent drying conditions. The rock should be thoroughly dry and in excellent condition for climbing today and through much of the coming week.
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 exposure and good solar radiation, making it one of the faster-drying gritstone venues in Yorkshire.
- The two-tier structure (Low Man and High Man) means lower sections and north-facing walls may retain moisture slightly longer than the prominent south-facing buttresses.
- Access is on private land — respectful behaviour, minimal chalk use, and adherence to dry-rock ethics are essential to maintain the landowner's goodwill.
- The total rainfall over the past 28 days has been remarkably low (6.4mm), suggesting the rock is unlikely to have any residual deep moisture.
Reasoning
The last meaningful rain was 1.7mm on August 5, five full days ago, with only trace amounts before that — the rock will be thoroughly dry both on the surface and internally.
Five days of dry weather with sustained winds (20–36 km/h) and temperatures around 16–25°C on an exposed, south/west-facing hilltop crag provide far more than adequate drying for such light rainfall.
With 28-day cumulative precipitation of only 6.4mm and five dry days, pore saturation will be negligibly low, posing no structural risk to holds.
Mid-summer conditions are ideal — long days, warm temperatures, and no freeze-thaw concern; this is the optimal climbing season for gritstone.
Contributing Factors
6
Five consecutive dry days since the last light rain of 1.7mm, far exceeding the 24–48 hour minimum guideline for light precipitation.
Only 6.4mm total over the past 28 days means the rock has had no opportunity to become deeply saturated.
Winds of 20–36 km/h over the drying period on this exposed hilltop significantly accelerate evaporation from the rock surface and interior.
Temperatures consistently in the 16–25°C range with today reaching ~20°C provide good evaporative energy.
Humidity averaging around 65–70% is slightly elevated but not problematic given the strong wind and extended dry period.
South and west-facing aspects receive excellent solar radiation through the afternoon, promoting thorough drying.
Recommendations
3
- Conditions are excellent — enjoy the crag, but check any sheltered north-facing nooks or low sections at the base for residual dampness before committing.
- Use soft boar's-hair brushes only and minimise chalk to protect the gritstone surface and maintain access.
- Keep an eye on the forecast for August 15 which shows a return of light rain — the current fine spell is ideal for making the most of the rock.
Likely Safe to Climb
92%
5 days ago
Almscliff has had 4 consecutive dry days following only light rain (1.7mm on Aug 5), with strong westerly winds and moderate summer temperatures accelerating drying on this exposed, south/west-facing hilltop. The rock should be thoroughly dry and in excellent condition for 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 mean it benefits from both sustained wind and good solar radiation, making it one of the faster-drying gritstone venues in Yorkshire.
- The two-tier structure (Low Man and High Man) means lower sections and north-facing walls between the tiers can hold moisture longer than the prominent south and west faces.
- Access is on private land — treat the crag and surroundings with extra respect, as continued access depends on landowner goodwill.
- Very light total rainfall over the past month (6.4mm) means deep rock saturation is not a concern and the gritstone should be in robust condition.
Reasoning
The last meaningful rain was 1.7mm on August 5, followed by 4 full dry days with good wind exposure; given the light total and favourable drying conditions, internal moisture should be fully dissipated.
Strong westerly winds (23–37 km/h) on Aug 5–6 and sustained moderate winds since, combined with the exposed S/W aspect, would have dried 1.7mm of light rain well within 24–48 hours.
With only 6.4mm of rain over the past 28 days and thorough drying, there is negligible risk of strength loss or hold breakage from residual moisture.
Mid-summer conditions with temperatures around 17–25°C, moderate humidity, and long daylight hours provide ideal drying and climbing conditions with no freeze-thaw concern.
Contributing Factors
5
Only 1.7mm fell on Aug 5, with a total of just 6.4mm over the past 28 days — well below levels that cause concern for deep saturation.
Four consecutive dry days comfortably exceeds the 24–48 hour minimum needed after light rain in good drying conditions.
Sustained winds of 20–36 km/h throughout the drying period move moist air away from the rock surface and significantly accelerate evaporation.
The S/W facing rock receives strong afternoon and evening sun in August, maximising solar drying.
Humidity has dropped from ~82% on Aug 5 to 58–67% over recent days, supporting effective evaporation.
Recommendations
3
- Conditions are excellent — enjoy the crag, but always do a quick visual and touch check on the rock surface before committing to harder routes.
- Check shaded north-facing sections and recesses between Low Man and High Man, as these dry last even in good conditions.
- Remember access is on private land — minimise chalk use, brush tick marks, and keep group sizes reasonable.
Likely Safe to Climb
90%
6 days ago
Almscliff has had three full dry days since the last light rain (1.7mm on Aug 5), with today warm (25°C), low humidity (57%), and moderate SW wind — ideal drying conditions for this exposed, south/west-facing hilltop crag. Total recent precipitation has been very light and spread across several days, well within drying capacity.
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 exposure and good solar radiation, making it one of the faster-drying gritstone crags in Yorkshire.
- The lower tier (Low Man) and any north-facing walls or recessed cracks may retain moisture longer than the main south-facing faces on High Man.
- Private land — access is a privilege; respect any restrictions and keep a low profile to maintain landowner goodwill.
- Recent precipitation totals have been remarkably low (6.4mm over 28 days), meaning the rock has had an extended period of generally dry conditions with only brief, light showers interrupting.
Reasoning
The last meaningful rain was 1.7mm on Aug 5, followed by three full dry days including today's excellent drying conditions (25°C, 57% humidity, SW wind); internal moisture from such light rain on already-dry rock should be fully evaporated.
Three days of drying with sustained winds (23–27 km/h) and the crag's exposed S/W aspect are more than adequate for 1.7mm of rain on gritstone that was already well-dried from a prolonged dry spell before.
Structural risk is very low — the rock has not been subjected to prolonged saturation, and summer temperatures eliminate any freeze-thaw concern.
Mid-summer conditions are optimal for gritstone climbing: long days, warm temperatures, and no freeze-thaw risk; this is the best time of year for Almscliff.
Contributing Factors
6
Only 1.7mm fell on Aug 5, preceded by scattered trace amounts — far below the threshold requiring extended drying.
Three full dry days since last rain comfortably exceeds the 24–48 hour guideline for light rain under good drying conditions.
Today's 25°C and 57% humidity provide excellent evaporative conditions, completing any residual drying.
Almscliff's fully exposed position and south/west-facing rock receive both strong wind and good solar radiation, maximising drying rate.
Only 6.4mm over 28 days means the rock had minimal stored moisture before the recent light showers.
0.5mm forecast for Aug 9 is negligible and unlikely to meaningfully re-wet the rock, though it may briefly dampen surfaces.
Recommendations
3
- Conditions are excellent today — enjoy the crag but check recessed cracks and the base of Low Man for any lingering dampness.
- Tomorrow (Aug 9) may see a brief trace of rain; allow surfaces to dry before climbing if showers pass through.
- Access is on private land — minimise chalk use, clean tick marks, and be considerate of the landowner.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
78%
7 days ago
Almscliff has had only 2 full dry days since the last light rain (1.7mm on Aug 5), but strong westerly winds and the exposed hilltop position will have accelerated drying significantly. The rock is very likely dry given the light rainfall totals and good wind exposure, but a visual check on arrival is prudent before committing to climb.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's exposed hilltop position means strong westerly winds (36 km/h on Aug 5, sustained 27+ km/h since) drive rapid surface and sub-surface drying far faster than sheltered valley crags.
- The S/W aspect receives good afternoon solar radiation in summer, which complements wind drying on the main faces, though any north-facing features on the back of the crag will dry more slowly.
- Low Man's lower tier and any recessed crack systems or horizontal breaks may still harbour residual moisture from the recent cluster of light showers (Aug 1–5 totalling ~3.6mm).
- Access is on private land — respect for the crag and responsible climbing behaviour (including not climbing on damp rock) is essential to maintain continued access.
Warnings
1
- Do not climb on any visibly damp or seeping sections — even light moisture on gritstone significantly reduces hold strength and causes permanent damage.
Reasoning
Total recent precipitation has been very light — only 3.6mm over the last 7 days spread across several trace events — meaning the wetting front will have been shallow and the rock never approached significant saturation.
Two full dry days with strong westerly winds (27–37 km/h) on an exposed hilltop with S/W aspect provide excellent drying conditions; for such light rain this should be sufficient for most of the crag, though crack systems may lag.
Structural risk is low given the very light rainfall totals — the rock will not have absorbed enough moisture to meaningfully reduce compressive strength, assuming adequate surface drying has occurred.
Mid-summer conditions with long daylight hours, warm temperatures (~18°C), and no freeze-thaw risk all favour rapid drying and safe climbing.
Contributing Factors
5
Only 1.7mm fell on Aug 5 (the most recent rain), and total 7-day precipitation was just 3.6mm spread across several trace events — far below the threshold for deep saturation.
Sustained westerly winds of 27–37 km/h over the last two days on this exposed hilltop dramatically accelerate evaporation from the rock surface and shallow subsurface.
South and west-facing aspects receive strong afternoon solar radiation in August, supplementing wind-driven drying on the main climbing faces.
The community standard of 2 dry days is only just met, and with humidity averaging 72% over the past week, there is some residual uncertainty about deeper cracks and seepage lines.
Humidity has averaged 72% over the past week and peaked at 82% on Aug 5, which slows drying somewhat despite the strong winds.
Recommendations
3
- Visually inspect the rock and check the base of the crag — if the ground is damp or rock feels cool and clammy to the touch, wait another day.
- Prioritise the upper sections of High Man and open, wind-exposed walls over sheltered crack lines and the base of Low Man, which may retain moisture longer.
- Tomorrow (Aug 8) looks excellent with 25°C, low humidity (59%), and SW winds — if in doubt today, waiting one more day will give very high confidence.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
72%
9 days ago
Recent rainfall has been very light and scattered (1.8mm on Aug 5, 0.4mm today), and the exposed hilltop position with strong westerly winds should promote rapid drying, but the rock received moisture only yesterday and today so a visual check is prudent. By this afternoon conditions are likely acceptable, but climbers should confirm the rock feels genuinely dry 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 mean it dries significantly faster than sheltered valley crags — strong westerly winds today (20–25 km/h) are hitting the crag face-on and accelerating evaporation.
- The base of Low Man and shaded recesses between the two tiers can retain moisture longer than the exposed upper walls of High Man — check these areas carefully.
- Recent precipitation has been very light and intermittent (total ~4mm over the past week in small doses), which limits penetration depth compared to a sustained downpour.
- Access is on private land and depends on good relations with the landowner — climbing on damp grit risks permanent damage to this irreplaceable venue and could jeopardise access.
Warnings
2
- Do not climb on any section that feels cool or damp to the touch — gritstone loses significant strength at very low moisture levels and hold breakage is a real risk.
- Access to Almscliff is on private land; climbing on damp rock risks permanent route damage that could jeopardise this privilege for everyone.
Reasoning
The rock received only 1.8mm on Aug 5 and 0.4mm early today, both very light amounts that would wet only the outer few millimetres of gritstone, though cumulative light wettings over the past week (4.1mm total) mean some residual moisture may linger in sheltered spots.
Strong westerly winds (24–36 km/h) hitting the S/W-facing crag directly, combined with afternoon temperatures reaching 17°C and humidity dropping to ~48%, should dry the surface from yesterday's and today's light rain within hours; the early-morning 0.4mm should be gone by mid-afternoon.
Given the very small rainfall amounts involved, deep saturation is unlikely and structural risk is low, but gritstone weakens measurably even at ~1% saturation so confirming dryness by touch is essential.
Mid-summer conditions are broadly favourable with long daylight hours and moderate temperatures; no freeze-thaw risk at current temps (8–17°C range well above 0°C).
Contributing Factors
6
Only 1.8mm fell yesterday and 0.4mm in the early hours today — too little to deeply penetrate porous gritstone.
Sustained 20–36 km/h westerly winds hitting the S/W-facing crag accelerate surface drying dramatically.
The most recent precipitation was only hours ago (0.4mm at midnight and 0.1mm at 02:00), so full surface drying may not yet be complete.
Humidity is dropping through the day from 91% overnight to a forecast 48% by mid-afternoon, progressively aiding drying.
Daytime highs of 17°C with strong wind provide adequate evaporative energy for the small moisture volumes involved.
Several small rain events over the past 10 days (Aug 1: 0.4mm, Aug 3: 1.1mm, Aug 4: 0.4mm, Aug 5: 1.8mm, Aug 6: 0.4mm) mean the rock has not had a prolonged fully dry spell recently.
Recommendations
3
- Wait until mid-to-late afternoon today when humidity drops below 50% and wind has had several hours to dry the surface; press your palm firmly against the rock — if it feels cool or leaves any dampness, do not climb.
- Focus on the upper, more exposed sections of High Man which will dry fastest; avoid lower sheltered sections and any areas with visible seepage or dark patches.
- Tomorrow (Aug 7) looks like a better bet with a fully dry day forecast, lower humidity (66%), and continued strong winds — consider waiting if today feels borderline.
Do Not Climb
92%
11 days ago
Almscliff has received 7.4mm of rain today (with more forecast this evening), following light showers on August 1st and 3rd — the rock is currently wet and unsuitable for climbing. Despite the exposed hilltop position and favourable S/W aspect, the gritstone needs at least 24–48 hours of dry weather from the last significant wetting to be safe.
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 advantageous for drying, but today's 7.4mm spread across multiple showers (early morning and evening) will thoroughly wet the rock.
- The crag sits on private land — climbing on wet gritstone risks both permanent route damage and jeopardising the access agreement with the landowner.
- Low Man features lower-tier routes that tend to stay damp longer due to drainage from High Man above, so even after the upper crag dries, the lower sections may remain wet.
- Recent days have seen intermittent light precipitation (0.4mm on Aug 1, 1.1mm on Aug 3) preventing the rock from fully drying out before today's heavier rain arrived.
Warnings
3
- The gritstone is actively wet today and structurally weakened — climbing risks permanent hold damage and serious injury.
- Access to Almscliff is on private land; climbing on wet rock risks damaging the access agreement for all climbers.
- Tomorrow (Aug 5) brings further rain — do not assume a dry morning means the rock is safe.
Reasoning
The rock is currently wet from 7.4mm of rain today, with showers occurring from early morning through to the evening, and a heavy 3.9mm burst forecast at 21:00 — the gritstone will be thoroughly saturated by tonight.
Despite Almscliff's exposed position and S/W aspect, drying cannot meaningfully begin until rain stops; the last significant shower is forecast around 21:00–22:00 tonight, so the 24–48 hour drying clock effectively starts overnight.
Gritstone loses 10–50% of its compressive strength when wet, and the intermittent wetting pattern over the past few days (Aug 1, 3, and 4) means the rock has had little chance to dry internally, increasing the risk of hold breakage.
Summer temperatures (17–25°C) and reasonable wind speeds will aid drying once precipitation stops, but high humidity (85% today) slows evaporation in the short term.
Contributing Factors
6
7.4mm of precipitation today across multiple showers, with a further 3.9mm burst forecast at 21:00, has thoroughly wetted the gritstone.
Light rain on Aug 1 (0.4mm) and Aug 3 (1.1mm) prevented the rock from fully drying before today's heavier rain.
Humidity averaging 85% today with peaks near 98% early morning severely limits evaporation and drying.
Almscliff's exposed summit position means strong winds (22+ km/h) will significantly aid drying once rain ceases.
South and west-facing rock will receive good solar radiation during afternoon hours, accelerating surface drying.
A further 1.9mm is forecast for Aug 5, delaying the start of any meaningful sustained drying period.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock is actively wet and further rain is forecast this evening.
- The earliest realistic window for climbing is August 7th afternoon, after roughly 36+ hours of dry weather with good wind, but check conditions on arrival.
- If visiting later this week, test the ground at the base of the crag — if the soil is still damp, the rock interior is almost certainly not dry enough.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
65%
12 days ago
Almscliff has had a very dry July overall with only light, scattered showers; the most recent meaningful rain was 1.7mm on July 26th followed by trace amounts, giving ample drying time before today. However, today's forecast shows 1.1mm total with light rain arriving from 20:00 onward — an afternoon climbing window looks viable if the rock feels dry on arrival, but conditions will deteriorate this evening and the coming week brings unsettled weather.
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-driven drying and good solar exposure, making it one of the faster-drying gritstone venues in Yorkshire.
- The crag sits on private land — access is a privilege, so climbing on damp rock risks both route damage and the goodwill of the landowner.
- Low Man features some north-facing sections and lower-tier problems that can hold seepage and dampness longer than the more exposed High Man.
- The base of the crag and any mossy/shaded nooks may still harbour residual moisture from Aug 1st's light shower and overnight high humidity.
Warnings
2
- Rain is forecast from 20:00 tonight — do not climb into the evening as surface conditions will deteriorate rapidly.
- The coming week's cumulative rain (~10mm over 5 days) will require at least 48 hours of dry weather afterward before conditions are safe again.
Reasoning
The last significant rain was 1.7mm on July 26th (8 days ago), with only trace amounts (0.4mm on Jul 27, 0.4mm on Aug 1, and 1.1mm today mostly forecast for this evening), so the rock's internal moisture level should be very low from the extended dry spell, though surface dampness from Aug 1st's trace rain and high overnight humidity may linger in sheltered spots.
The S/W aspect and exposed hilltop position with consistent 19–30 km/h winds and summer temperatures of 17–23°C have provided excellent drying conditions; the ~48 hours since Aug 1st's 0.4mm trace with good wind and warmth on Aug 2nd (22°C, 62% humidity) should have fully dried such a trivial amount.
With only 4.3mm total over 28 days and extended dry periods, the rock is likely well below any critical saturation threshold and structural risk is minimal — provided today's evening rain is avoided.
Mid-summer conditions are optimal with long daylight hours, warm temperatures, and no freeze-thaw risk; this is the best time of year for gritstone climbing.
Contributing Factors
6
Only 4.3mm total precipitation over the past 28 days with an unbroken dry spell from July 6–22, leaving the rock thoroughly dried out at depth.
Approximately 1.1mm of rain is forecast from 20:00 onward today, which will re-wet surface rock and close any climbing window by evening.
The hilltop position and south/west-facing rock receive strong wind exposure and good solar radiation, accelerating drying significantly compared to sheltered or north-facing venues.
From 10:00–19:00 today, conditions are forecast dry with temperatures reaching 25°C, humidity dropping to 33%, and moderate easterly winds — excellent surface drying conditions.
The forecast shows rain on 4 of the next 5 days totalling ~10mm, meaning conditions will deteriorate significantly from tomorrow onward.
The 0.4mm on August 1st was negligible and followed by a warm, drier day on Aug 2nd (22°C, 62% humidity), so it poses no meaningful moisture concern for the deeper rock.
Recommendations
3
- If climbing today, aim for the afternoon window (roughly 11:00–19:00) when conditions are warmest and driest — check the rock surface carefully on arrival, especially at the base and in shaded sections.
- Avoid Low Man's north-facing or sheltered sections where overnight humidity and trace moisture may linger longer.
- Plan ahead: the coming week looks unsettled with rain on most days, so today may be the last good opportunity for several days.
Climbing Outlook