Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Hodge Close has received rain this morning and intermittent light precipitation is forecast throughout the rest of today, with high humidity and full cloud cover trapping moisture in the sheltered quarry bowl. The polished slate surfaces will be greasy and dangerous; this is not a day to climb here.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The enclosed quarry amphitheatre traps humidity and has very poor air circulation, meaning even light drizzle keeps surfaces damp far longer than at open crags.
- Seepage from the quarry rim after the 10.9mm on May 3rd and today's rain will persist for days, creating wet streaks across routes even after surface rock appears dry.
- Polished quarried slate at Hodge Close is significantly more slippery when damp than natural slate — even a thin moisture film from condensation or high humidity can dramatically reduce friction.
- The deep pool at the base adds local humidity to the enclosed bowl, further slowing surface drying even on otherwise dry days.
Warnings
2
- Polished quarried slate is extremely dangerous when damp — falls from friction loss on apparently climbable holds are a real risk.
- Seepage from the quarry rim can make routes wet even when it is not actively raining — check for wet streaks before committing to any route.
Reasoning
Today's early-morning rain (~1.5mm by 07:00) combined with intermittent drizzle through the afternoon and evening means the quarry surfaces are wet right now and will not dry today.
The sheltered quarry bowl with light winds (10–17 km/h) and 70–96% humidity provides almost no effective drying; any brief dry spells mid-day are too short and too humid to clear moisture from the polished slate.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural weakening concern, but the friction hazard on greasy polished quarry slate is severe — a slip risk equivalent to structural failure for the climber.
Early May in the Lake District is transitional with cool temperatures (~10°C) and frequent frontal systems; the recent unsettled spell with 17.3mm in the last 7 days and high average humidity (76%) keeps conditions marginal even between rain events.
Contributing Factors
6
Around 3.9mm of precipitation is falling today in scattered showers from early morning through the evening, keeping all quarry surfaces wet.
The enclosed amphitheatre has minimal air circulation, so even light precipitation and high humidity keep surfaces damp far longer than at open venues.
Humidity ranges from 70–96% today with 92–100% cloud cover, preventing any meaningful evaporative drying of the polished slate.
Quarried slate at Hodge Close is smooth and polished, losing friction dramatically with even a thin moisture film — today's conditions make it treacherously slippery.
The 10.9mm on May 3rd followed by today's rain will feed seepage lines from the quarry rim for several more days.
Temperatures around 10°C combined with high humidity and cloud cover provide negligible drying potential.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Hodge Close today — surfaces are wet and greasy from ongoing rain and high humidity.
- Wait for at least two consecutive dry days with lower humidity (<65%) and some breeze before visiting; the sheltered quarry needs extra drying time.
- If visiting the area, consider checking more exposed, wind-swept crags with better drainage rather than the enclosed quarry bowl.
Previous Analyses
Marginal — Assess Conditions
62%
2 days ago
The rock has had roughly two dry days since light rain on May 5th (0.4mm) and a heavier shower on May 3rd (10.9mm), but the sheltered quarry bowl and moderate humidity mean residual dampness is plausible, particularly on north-facing walls and in seepage zones. South-facing walls in the afternoon sun are the best bet today, but climbers should visually and physically check surfaces before committing.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Hodge Close's enclosed amphitheatre traps humid air and dramatically slows drying compared to open crags — even two dry days may not fully clear moisture from shaded corners.
- Seepage from the quarry rim after the 10.9mm on May 3rd may still be trickling down sections of wall, especially north-facing areas that receive no direct sun.
- Polished quarried slate in this venue is notably greasier than natural slate when even slightly damp — test friction carefully on lower holds before committing to routes.
- The deep pool at the base raises local humidity within the quarry bowl, adding a persistent dampness factor even during nominally dry weather.
Warnings
2
- Polished slate at Hodge Close becomes treacherously slippery with even light dampness — do not trust surface appearance alone; test friction by hand before climbing.
- Rain is forecast from tomorrow onwards, with heavy rain (15.9mm) on May 10th — conditions will deteriorate significantly for the rest of the week.
Reasoning
After 10.9mm on May 3rd and 0.4mm on May 5th, the rock has had only about one full dry day; the sheltered quarry bowl with its trapped humidity and poor air circulation means surfaces — especially north-facing — may still carry residual dampness or condensation.
Light winds (11–18 km/h) and moderate temperatures (~10–13°C) over the last two days have provided some drying, but the sheltered aspect of the quarry severely limits airflow reaching the walls, so drying has been slower than an exposed crag would experience.
Slate is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so hold breakage from moisture is not a concern.
Early May in the Lake District at 220m brings cool temperatures and variable weather; the recent wet April (99mm in 28 days) means groundwater levels are high, sustaining rim seepage longer than summer conditions would.
Contributing Factors
6
10.9mm fell just three days ago, and the sheltered quarry needs longer than open crags to shed that moisture.
Today marks the second consecutive dry day with dropping humidity (61% today), giving south-facing walls a reasonable chance of being dry.
The enclosed amphitheatre traps humidity and blocks wind, significantly slowing evaporation from rock surfaces.
Humidity drops to 45–46% this afternoon with light breeze, which should help surface moisture evaporate on sun-exposed walls.
High groundwater from a very wet April (99mm in 28 days) means seepage lines from the quarry rim may still be active.
Quarried slate surfaces at Hodge Close are exceptionally greasy with even trace moisture, making marginal dampness a real safety concern.
Recommendations
3
- Target south- and west-facing walls during the afternoon when humidity is lowest and any sun can reach the rock, and physically test friction on lower holds before committing.
- Avoid north-facing walls and any routes below the quarry rim edge where seepage lines are visible — these will be the last areas to dry.
- Consider postponing to later in the week only if further dry days materialise; note the forecast shows rain returning from tomorrow, so today may be the best window for several days.
Do Not Climb
65%
3 days ago
Hodge Close has had a very wet April (over 100mm in 28 days) with only short dry spells, and today brings further light rain through the afternoon and evening. The sheltered quarry bowl will be slow to shed residual moisture, and polished slate surfaces will be greasy — we recommend waiting for a sustained dry spell.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The enclosed amphitheatre shape traps humid air and drastically slows evaporation compared to open crags, meaning even 24–48 hours of dry weather may not fully clear surface moisture from north-facing walls.
- Seepage from the quarry rim — fed by the very wet April — is likely still active and can persist for several days after rain, dripping onto routes below the lip.
- Quarried slate at Hodge Close is notably more polished than natural slate faces, making friction loss from even light dampness far more dramatic and dangerous.
- The deep pool at the quarry base raises local humidity within the bowl, further inhibiting drying of lower walls and contributing to a persistently clammy atmosphere.
Warnings
2
- Polished slate in the quarry is dangerously slippery when damp — even a thin film of moisture can cause unexpected foot slips on slab routes.
- Seepage drips from the quarry rim may not be visible from below until you are on route; test holds carefully for hidden moisture.
Reasoning
With 10.9mm on May 3rd, 2.1mm today including showers from midday onwards, and a persistently wet month behind it, surfaces in the sheltered quarry bowl are very likely still damp, particularly on north-facing walls and anywhere below seepage lines.
The quarry's sheltered position and mixed aspects mean wind has minimal drying effect inside the bowl; yesterday afternoon's clearing helped the south-facing upper walls somewhat, but today's renewed rain and high cloud cover negate that progress.
Slate is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so hold breakage from moisture is not a concern.
Early May in the Lake District at 220m still sees cool temperatures (averaging ~10°C) and high background humidity; the prolonged wet April will have saturated the ground above the quarry rim, feeding seepage for days yet.
Contributing Factors
7
Over 100mm in the last 28 days with 10.9mm as recently as May 3rd and 2.1mm today means moisture is abundant in and around the quarry.
Light showers forecast from midday through the evening (totalling ~2.1mm) will re-wet surfaces that had barely begun to dry.
The enclosed amphitheatre traps humidity and blocks wind, dramatically slowing surface drying compared to open crags.
Quarried slate becomes extremely greasy with even light moisture, making slab and wall climbing treacherous.
After a very wet April, saturated ground above the quarry rim will feed seepage lines onto routes for days yet.
Slate does not absorb water or weaken structurally, so once surfaces truly dry there is no internal drying delay.
From May 6th onwards the forecast shows minimal precipitation and declining humidity, suggesting conditions will improve over the next few days.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least until May 7th or 8th to allow the quarry bowl to dry after today's rain and benefit from the upcoming dry spell.
- If visiting soon, prioritise south-facing upper walls which receive the most sun and wind; avoid north-facing walls and any routes below obvious seepage lines.
- Consider the deep water solo option if keen to visit before full drying, but be aware water temperatures in early May will be very cold — a wetsuit is essential.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
55%
4 days ago
Yesterday's 10.9mm of rain in the sheltered quarry bowl means surfaces are likely still damp this morning, but conditions should improve significantly through the afternoon as humidity drops, clouds clear, and a westerly breeze picks up. A late-afternoon window (after ~14:00) on south-facing walls is plausible but needs on-the-ground verification.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The enclosed amphitheatre shape traps humid air and dramatically slows surface drying compared to open crags — even one dry day may not be enough after 10.9mm of rain in such a sheltered bowl.
- Seepage from the quarry rim is likely active given nearly 100mm of rain in the last 28 days; persistent drips can wet routes well away from obvious drainage lines.
- South-facing quarried slate walls will benefit most from the afternoon clearing and sun, while north-facing walls will remain damp and greasy for longer.
- The polished quarried slate at Hodge Close is notoriously slippery even with a thin moisture film — surfaces that look dry to the eye can still lack adequate friction.
Warnings
2
- Polished quarried slate at Hodge Close can feel deceptively dry while still lacking adequate friction — test holds carefully before committing.
- Rim seepage may be active on routes below the quarry edge despite surface rock appearing dry.
Reasoning
10.9mm fell yesterday with high humidity (88%) and 100% cloud cover, and the quarry bowl will have retained significant surface moisture overnight given only light winds and persistent 88-89% humidity through the early hours.
Drying conditions improve markedly from early afternoon today as humidity drops to ~58%, clouds break significantly, and a moderate westerly breeze develops — but the sheltered quarry position limits air circulation, so only the most exposed south-facing walls are likely to dry adequately by late afternoon.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural weakening concern, but the quarried surfaces are polished and lose friction dramatically with even residual surface moisture.
Early May in the Lake District at 220m brings cool temperatures (max ~14°C) which slow evaporation, and the high recent monthly rainfall (98.8mm in 28 days) means the surrounding ground and rim are saturated, feeding ongoing seepage.
Contributing Factors
6
10.9mm fell yesterday with rain persisting through the morning hours until around midday, leaving surfaces thoroughly wet.
The enclosed amphitheatre traps humidity and limits air circulation, requiring significantly longer drying times than open crags.
From ~13:00 today cloud cover drops dramatically, humidity falls to 58%, and a moderate westerly breeze develops, accelerating surface drying.
Nearly 100mm in the last 28 days means the quarry rim and surrounding ground are saturated, sustaining seepage lines onto routes.
Quarried slate surfaces at Hodge Close are notably polished and become treacherously greasy with even a thin film of moisture.
Slate does not absorb water, so surfaces can dry relatively quickly once atmospheric conditions allow — no need for deep-rock drying.
Recommendations
3
- If visiting today, wait until mid-to-late afternoon and focus on south-facing walls that receive direct sun; test friction on lower holds before committing to any route.
- Avoid north-facing walls entirely today — they will remain damp and greasy throughout.
- Check for active seepage lines from the quarry rim before choosing routes, as these can persist for several days given the saturated ground above.
Do Not Climb
75%
4 days ago
Hodge Close received 10.8mm of rain today with high humidity (86%), and the sheltered quarry bowl will retain surface moisture well into tomorrow. The polished slate surfaces will be greasy and dangerous until the quarry has had adequate time to dry with improved air circulation.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The enclosed amphitheatre shape traps humid air and dramatically slows surface drying compared to open crags — even after a single wet day, the quarry floor and lower walls can remain damp for 24–48 hours.
- Seepage from the quarry rim fed by today's 10.8mm rain and the preceding wet spell (12.9mm in the last 7 days) will persist as drips and wet streaks on the walls for at least 1–2 days.
- North-facing walls in the quarry will be the last to dry and should be avoided first even when south-facing sections appear dry — the mixed aspects create a patchwork of wet and dry surfaces.
- The quarried slate at Hodge Close is notably polished and smooth, making it far more friction-dependent than natural slate — even a thin film of moisture renders slabs and lower-angle terrain dangerously slippery.
Warnings
2
- Polished quarried slate is extremely dangerous when damp — falls due to friction loss on apparently 'dry' surfaces are a real risk at Hodge Close.
- Seepage from the quarry rim can drip onto routes unpredictably and may persist for 2–3 days after heavy rain even when the wall surface appears dry.
Reasoning
With 10.8mm of rain today at 86% humidity, plus 1.9mm and 0.2mm on the preceding two days, the quarry surfaces will be thoroughly wet with standing water and active seepage from the rim.
The sheltered quarry bowl with light 13.7km/h winds from the north offers very poor air circulation for drying; even with tomorrow's forecast dry day and westerly breeze at 20km/h, the enclosed amphitheatre will take at least 24–36 hours to shed surface moisture adequately.
Slate is non-porous and will not suffer structural weakening, but the risk is entirely about friction loss on polished quarried surfaces that become treacherously greasy when damp.
Early May temperatures around 11–13°C provide moderate drying potential but are not warm enough to rapidly evaporate moisture from a sheltered, shaded quarry; spring seepage from saturated ground above the quarry rim compounds the issue.
Contributing Factors
7
10.8mm of rain today has thoroughly wetted all quarry surfaces and will feed rim seepage for days.
The enclosed amphitheatre traps humidity and blocks wind, meaning drying takes significantly longer than at open crags.
At 86% humidity today, evaporation will be slow and condensation may form on cold north-facing walls.
Quarried slate surfaces lose friction dramatically with even a thin moisture film, creating serious slip hazards.
The preceding week saw 12.9mm of rain and the ground above the quarry rim is saturated, prolonging seepage onto routes.
Tomorrow is forecast dry with a moderate westerly breeze at 20km/h, which will begin the drying process.
Temperatures of 11–13°C provide some drying energy but are insufficient for rapid evaporation in a sheltered bowl.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least 24–36 hours after today's rain before attempting any climbing on the quarried slate walls — the sheltered quarry will take considerably longer to dry than open venues.
- If visiting in the coming days, check south-facing upper walls first as these will dry soonest, and avoid north-facing sections and any routes below visible seepage lines from the rim.
- Consider nearby open-aspect crags with better wind exposure (e.g. Cathedral Quarry or Raven Crag Langdale) which will dry faster if you're keen to climb sooner.
Do Not Climb
70%
4 days ago
Hodge Close received 9.4mm of rain today with high humidity (86%), and the sheltered quarry bowl will retain surface moisture well into tomorrow. The preceding dry spell (Apr 21–30) was excellent, but the recent return of rain on May 1–3 has re-wetted the polished slate surfaces, which will be treacherously greasy.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The enclosed amphitheatre shape traps humid air and dramatically slows surface drying compared to open crags — even after the long dry spell in late April, today's 9.4mm rain will linger on sheltered north-facing walls for at least 24–48 hours.
- Seepage from the quarry rim fed by the recent rain (11.5mm in the last 7 days, including today's significant event) will persist for several days, creating wet streaks on otherwise dry-looking faces.
- The polished quarried slate at Hodge Close is notoriously greasy with even a thin film of moisture — south-facing walls will dry first but north-facing walls in the quarry bowl can remain slippery long after rain stops.
- Deep water soloing remains an option year-round as grip on the rock matters less for entry, but water temperature in early May will be very cold — appropriate precautions for cold water immersion are essential.
Warnings
2
- Polished slate in the quarry bowl can appear dry while retaining an invisible greasy film — always test friction before climbing.
- Seepage lines from the quarry rim may create unexpected wet patches on otherwise dry-looking routes for several days after rain.
Reasoning
Today's 9.4mm of rain on top of light precipitation on May 1–2 means the slate surfaces throughout the quarry are currently wet, with pooling likely on ledges and persistent films on the polished walls.
The sheltered quarry position with only 11.2 km/h northerly wind today provides minimal air circulation for drying; even with tomorrow's forecast dry day and stronger westerly winds (19.1 km/h), the enclosed bowl will trap humidity and slow evaporation significantly.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural concern from the recent rain, but the polished quarried surfaces lose virtually all friction when damp, creating a serious slip hazard.
Early May in the Lake District at 220m brings cool temperatures (8–12°C) and moderate humidity that slow evaporation; spring seepage from the quarry rim is common as the water table remains high from the wet April (103.8mm in 28 days).
Contributing Factors
6
9.4mm of rain today has thoroughly wetted all surfaces in the quarry, with high humidity (86%) preventing any meaningful drying.
The enclosed amphitheatre traps humid air and blocks wind, dramatically slowing surface drying compared to exposed crags.
Quarried slate surfaces at Hodge Close become extremely greasy with even residual moisture, making climbing dangerous before full drying.
The extended dry period from April 21–30 means the quarry rim and surrounding ground were well-drained before this recent rain, which should limit the duration of seepage.
Accumulated rain from May 1–3 (~11.5mm) will feed seepage lines from the quarry rim for 2–4 days, wetting routes below drainage channels.
Temperatures around 11–12°C with moderate humidity provide only modest evaporative potential, extending drying times in the sheltered bowl.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least 1–2 full dry days before visiting for roped climbing or bouldering; tomorrow (May 4) is likely still too damp in the quarry bowl despite being forecast dry.
- If visiting later this week, prioritise south-facing walls which receive the most sun and dry fastest, and physically test friction on lower holds before committing to routes.
- Consider deep water soloing as an alternative if conditions are too greasy for trad or bouldering, but take cold water precautions — a wetsuit is essential in early May.
Do Not Climb
70%
4 days ago
Hodge Close received 6.7mm of rain today with high humidity (87%), and the sheltered quarry bowl will retain surface moisture well into tomorrow. The polished slate surfaces will be greasy and dangerous until a sustained dry period with better air circulation allows proper drying.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The enclosed quarry amphitheatre traps humidity and has very poor air circulation, meaning today's rain and 87% humidity will keep surfaces damp far longer than open crags in the area.
- Seepage from the quarry rim commonly persists for 2–3 days after significant rain, and cumulative rainfall over the past month (101mm) will keep seepage lines active on multiple walls.
- North-facing walls in the quarry bowl receive minimal direct sun in spring and will be the last to dry — south-facing sections may become climbable first but should still be assessed carefully.
- The quarried slate at Hodge Close is notably polished and smooth compared to natural rock faces, making even a thin film of residual moisture extremely hazardous for friction-dependent moves.
Warnings
2
- Polished quarried slate becomes extremely slippery when damp — even a thin moisture film invisible to the eye can cause unexpected slips on friction-dependent moves.
- Seepage from the quarry rim may drip onto routes for several days after rain; check for active seepage lines before climbing any wall section.
Reasoning
With 6.7mm of rain today and humidity at 87%, all quarry surfaces will currently be wet, and the sheltered bowl environment will prevent rapid drying.
Light winds (11.9 km/h from the north) and the sheltered quarry position mean negligible drying today; even tomorrow's slightly stronger westerly winds will struggle to penetrate the enclosed amphitheatre.
Slate is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so there is no hold-breakage or rock conservation concern.
Early May in the Lake District is an improving but still unsettled period; the recent wet spell (101mm in 28 days) reflects typical spring instability, and cool temperatures (~11°C) limit evaporative drying.
Contributing Factors
8
Moderate rainfall today means all quarry surfaces are currently wet and will need at least 24 hours of dry, breezy conditions to shed surface moisture in this sheltered venue.
Very high humidity today severely limits evaporation and will keep a moisture film on polished slate surfaces.
The enclosed amphitheatre traps humid air and prevents wind from circulating effectively, dramatically slowing surface drying compared to open crags.
The smooth, quarried slate surfaces lose friction dramatically with even light moisture, creating a serious slip hazard that persists until fully dry.
An excellent 10-day dry spell from April 21–30 allowed deep seepage to subside significantly before the recent return of rain.
Slate does not absorb water, so once surface moisture evaporates the rock will offer full friction without needing extended internal drying time.
Cumulative rainfall of over 100mm in 28 days, combined with today's rain, will keep seepage lines from the quarry rim active for several days.
Moderate spring temperatures provide limited evaporative energy, further slowing drying in the sheltered quarry environment.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the quarry will be wet and the polished slate dangerously greasy; consider alternative activities or nearby venues that are more exposed to wind.
- Wait for at least 24–36 hours of dry weather with humidity below 70% before attempting routes, and prioritise south-facing walls which will dry first.
- If visiting tomorrow or the day after, physically touch the rock surface before committing — even if it looks dry, a thin moisture film on polished slate can be invisible but treacherous.
Do Not Climb
55%
5 days ago
Despite a good dry spell from April 21–30, light rain yesterday (1.9mm) and today (1.0mm) has re-wetted surfaces, and Hodge Close's sheltered quarry bowl will trap this moisture. With 5mm of rain forecast tomorrow and high humidity, conditions are not reliable for climbing on the polished slate.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The enclosed quarry amphitheatre acts as a humidity trap with poor air circulation, meaning even light rain takes significantly longer to dry here than at open crags nearby.
- Seepage from the quarry rim — fed by the substantial rainfall earlier in April (107mm over 28 days) — may still be active on some lines, particularly on the north-facing walls.
- The polished quarried slate surfaces at Hodge Close are notably more slippery when damp than natural slate faces; even a thin film of moisture can make friction-dependent moves dangerously insecure.
- Bird nesting season is active (April–June) — check BMC RAD for any current peregrine or raven restrictions before visiting.
Warnings
2
- Polished slate in the quarry becomes treacherously slippery with even a light film of moisture — do not commit to friction-dependent moves without first testing the surface.
- Seepage from the quarry rim can persist for several days after rain and may not be visible until you are on the wall.
Reasoning
Light rain today (1.0mm) following 1.9mm yesterday means slate surfaces are likely carrying a film of moisture, compounded by 83% humidity and the quarry's poor air circulation.
The extended dry spell from April 21–30 would have dried the quarry well, but the return of rain on May 1–2 has re-wetted surfaces, and the sheltered position with light winds (~15 km/h) provides insufficient airflow to dry the enclosed bowl quickly.
Slate is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so hold breakage is not a concern — the risk is purely frictional.
Early May offers improving temperatures and longer days, but the unsettled spell with rain today and forecast for tomorrow means spring conditions remain unreliable at this sheltered venue.
Contributing Factors
6
1.0mm of precipitation today on top of 1.9mm yesterday means surfaces will be damp, and the quarry bowl will retain this moisture.
At 83% humidity with minimal wind penetration into the amphitheatre, evaporation will be slow and surfaces may remain greasy.
Nine consecutive dry days (April 21–30) preceding the recent light rain means deep seepage should have largely abated, though rim seepage may persist given 107mm over the past month.
Hodge Close's quarried slate is notoriously greasy when even slightly damp, making friction-dependent climbing dangerous.
5mm of rain forecast for May 3 will prevent any meaningful drying and worsen conditions over the next 24–48 hours.
Temperatures around 13–14°C are adequate but not high enough to drive rapid drying in a sheltered, humid quarry bowl.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least until May 4 and ideally May 7 before visiting, when a dry day with lower humidity and a NW breeze may allow the quarry to dry out.
- If you do visit, restrict yourself to steep or overhanging lines on the south-facing walls which shed water fastest — avoid slabs and friction-dependent routes entirely.
- Consider deep water soloing as an alternative if conditions are too damp for trad — but be aware that water temperatures in the quarry pool will be very cold in early May and appropriate safety measures are essential.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
65%
6 days ago
After an excellent 10-day dry spell (April 21–30) with warm temperatures and low humidity, the rock at Hodge Close should be well-dried on most faces. However, today's 1.1mm of rain and rising humidity introduce some uncertainty, particularly given the quarry's sheltered bowl which traps moisture — a visual check on arrival is strongly advised.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The enclosed quarry amphitheatre traps humid air and significantly slows surface drying compared to open crags, meaning even light rain or high humidity can leave a greasy film on polished slate.
- Seepage lines from the quarry rim can persist for days after rain — even after the extended dry spell, today's light rain may reactivate seepage on specific routes near the rim edge.
- South-facing walls will have benefited most from the 10-day dry spell and warm April sunshine, while north-facing walls in the quarry bowl may still harbour residual dampness in sheltered corners.
- The quarried slate surfaces at Hodge Close are notably more polished than natural slate, meaning even a thin film of moisture from today's 1.1mm will make friction unreliable on slabs and lower-angle terrain.
Warnings
2
- Polished quarried slate becomes treacherously slippery with even a thin moisture film — do not trust surface appearance alone; physically test friction before climbing.
- Seepage from the quarry rim may have been reactivated by today's rain and can drip onto routes unexpectedly; check for wet streaks above your intended line.
Reasoning
The prolonged dry spell from April 21–30 (10 consecutive dry days with temps reaching 18–19°C and humidity as low as 42%) will have thoroughly dried most surfaces, but today's 1.1mm precipitation and 65% humidity have reintroduced some surface moisture.
Despite the sheltered quarry position limiting air circulation, the extended dry period with easterly and south-easterly winds and warm temperatures would have dried even the most stubborn seepage lines — however today's light rain partially resets surface conditions and the sheltered bowl will be slow to shed this new moisture.
Slate is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening when wet; there is no risk of hold breakage from climbing on damp slate, though the greasy surface poses a significant slip hazard.
Early May offers lengthening days and improving temperatures, but the Lake District spring remains unpredictable with frequent frontal systems — the upcoming forecast shows rain returning on May 3rd, so today and tomorrow represent the best window.
Contributing Factors
6
Ten consecutive dry days (April 21–30) with temperatures up to 19.4°C and humidity dropping to 42% provided excellent deep-drying conditions even for the sheltered quarry bowl.
Today's 1.1mm of rain has introduced fresh surface moisture to the polished slate, which in the sheltered quarry may linger as a greasy film.
The enclosed amphitheatre restricts air circulation, meaning today's moisture and 65% humidity will dissipate more slowly than at open crags.
Quarried slate at Hodge Close is notably polished and loses friction dramatically with even minimal moisture, making slabs and lower-angle routes treacherous.
Today's 17.2°C maximum provides good evaporative potential, helping to dry the light surface moisture through the afternoon.
Tomorrow's forecast shows 85% humidity which will slow any residual drying and may produce condensation on cold slate surfaces in the sheltered quarry.
Recommendations
3
- Visit in the afternoon to allow today's light rain maximum drying time, and physically test slate surfaces with your palm before committing to any route — if it feels even slightly greasy, do not climb.
- Prioritise steep south-facing walls where gravity aids drainage and sun exposure has been greatest; avoid slabs and north-facing routes which are most susceptible to residual moisture.
- Consider tomorrow (May 2nd) as a potential climbing day before rain returns on May 3rd, but be aware of high humidity — the window between today's rain and Saturday's front is narrow.
Likely Safe to Climb
85%
9 days ago
After 9 consecutive dry days with declining humidity and moderate temperatures, Hodge Close should be in good condition today. Even accounting for the sheltered quarry bowl's slow drying characteristics, the extended dry spell and low recent humidity (averaging 60% over the last week) should have cleared surface moisture and seepage from the quarry rim.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Seepage lines from the quarry rim can persist for several days after rain, but 9 dry days should have allowed even persistent seepage to dry out fully.
- The enclosed quarry amphitheatre traps humidity and limits air circulation, but the sustained period of low humidity (dropping to 42–53% on recent days) will have helped clear residual dampness.
- North-facing walls within the quarry bowl receive minimal direct sunlight and dry slowest — these may still have localised damp patches in deeply shaded recesses despite the extended dry spell.
- The deep pool at the quarry base raises local humidity near water level; routes starting close to the water may feel slightly damper than higher walls.
Warnings
1
- Bird nesting restrictions may be in effect at Hodge Close in April — check the BMC Regional Access Database (RAD) for current closures before visiting.
Reasoning
With 9 consecutive dry days and no precipitation since April 20 (2.8mm), surface moisture on the non-porous slate should be fully evaporated across all aspects.
Despite the sheltered position limiting wind-assisted drying, the combination of 9 dry days, temperatures reaching 15–18°C, and humidity dropping as low as 42% provides ample drying time even for this slow-drying venue.
Slate is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening from moisture; there is no freeze-thaw risk at current spring temperatures (min 2–5°C overnight).
Late April brings increasing daylight hours and sun angles sufficient to warm even the sheltered quarry bowl; conditions are entering the favourable spring-to-summer transition period.
Contributing Factors
6
Nine consecutive dry days with negligible precipitation since April 20 provides excellent drying time even for this sheltered venue.
Humidity has dropped from the 80–90% range in mid-April to 42–68% over recent days, with today forecast at 58%.
The enclosed amphitheatre limits air circulation and traps humidity, meaning drying takes longer than at open crags — though 9 days should compensate.
Temperatures of 15–18°C over recent days aid evaporation, and today's forecast high of 15.3°C continues this trend.
141mm fell in the preceding 28 days including heavy events on April 3 and 15, but the 9-day dry window is sufficient for non-porous slate to shed all surface water.
Today's 21 km/h easterly breeze will aid surface drying, though the quarry's sheltered position limits wind penetration.
Recommendations
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- South- and west-facing walls will be in the best condition; start there and work around to assess north-facing sections before committing.
- Check for residual seepage near the quarry rim — while unlikely after 9 dry days, persistent springs can reactivate with groundwater lag.
- Polished quarried slate surfaces can feel greasy even when technically dry; test friction carefully on lower holds before committing to harder moves.
Climbing Outlook