Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Despite three dry days (May 4–6) following the heavy 19.2mm deluge on May 3rd, today's light precipitation and persistently high humidity mean the rock has not had adequate drying time. The forecast shows rain on each of the next five days, so conditions are unlikely to improve soon.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise's south-facing aspect and exposed position are favourable for drying, but the 19.2mm soaking on May 3rd at 93% humidity saturated the gritstone deeply and three partial drying days with humidity averaging ~77% are insufficient for full internal drying.
- The 3.5km moorland walk-in means the base and surrounding ground will still be boggy from the recent heavy rain — a useful field indicator that the rock retains internal moisture.
- BMC-owned crag with free access — no seasonal restrictions, but as custodians climbers should be especially mindful of protecting this community-owned resource from wet-rock damage.
- Scattered light rain is forecast from this evening through the coming week, repeatedly re-wetting surfaces and preventing any meaningful cumulative drying period.
Warnings
2
- The rock surface may appear dry in sheltered spots while the interior remains saturated — do not be deceived into climbing.
- Repeated light rain events over the coming week will keep the gritstone in a weakened state; climbing risks permanent hold damage to this BMC-owned crag.
Reasoning
The 19.2mm rainfall on May 3rd at 93% humidity would have deeply saturated the porous gritstone, and only three days of partial drying (with humidity 67–85%) have followed — the rock is very likely still damp internally despite possible surface drying.
South-facing aspect and moderate wind (14–23 km/h) during May 4–6 provided reasonable surface evaporation, but temperatures averaging only ~10°C and humidity remaining 67–85% mean deep drying is incomplete after just three days following a heavy soaking.
Gritstone at partial internal saturation retains significant compressive strength loss; climbing now risks grain loosening and hold breakage on what could appear superficially dry rock.
Spring conditions in early May at 320m altitude are marginal — nights dropping near 0°C on May 5th could have caused minor freeze-thaw stress on still-saturated rock, adding to structural vulnerability.
Contributing Factors
7
19.2mm of rain at 93% humidity deeply saturated the gritstone, requiring 48–72+ hours of good drying conditions to recover.
May 4–6 were precipitation-free with moderate wind, allowing some surface and partial internal drying.
0.5mm today with light rain returning this evening re-wets the surface and resets any final drying progress.
Average humidity of 78% over the last 7 days significantly slows evaporative drying of porous rock.
Crookrise's south-facing orientation and exposed moorland position are optimal for solar drying and wind exposure, the best possible natural drying conditions.
Rain is forecast every day from May 8–12 (totalling ~10.2mm), preventing any meaningful extended dry period.
The minimum of 0.7°C on May 5th while the rock was still likely >60% saturated may have caused minor freeze-thaw stress.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for a sustained dry spell of at least 48 hours with low humidity before visiting — the current forecast does not offer this window in the next five days.
- If you do walk in, check the ground at the crag base: if the peat and soil are visibly wet or boggy, the rock is almost certainly still damp internally.
- Monitor the forecast beyond May 13th for a potential dry window, as this is the earliest conditions could begin to recover.
Previous Analyses
Marginal — Assess Conditions
65%
2 days ago
Three dry days since the heavy 19.2mm rainfall on May 3rd, with moderate winds and south-facing aspect aiding drying, but temperatures have been cool (averaging under 10°C) and humidity relatively high, meaning internal moisture may linger. Conditions are promising but a visual check on arrival is essential before committing to climb.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise is south-facing and exposed, which gives it above-average drying potential — but the 19.2mm event on May 3rd was substantial and temperatures since have been cool (5–12°C), limiting evaporation rates.
- The 3.5km moorland walk-in means the ground conditions en route are a useful proxy — if the peat and path are still boggy, the rock likely retains internal moisture.
- As a BMC-owned crag with free access, there is a strong ethical obligation to protect the rock; Crookrise's gritstone is irreplaceable and repeated wet-climbing damage is cumulative.
- Lower sections and any cracks or horizontal breaks will retain moisture longest; upper exposed faces and overhanging problems will have dried fastest.
Warnings
2
- 19.2mm of rain fell just 3 days ago — gritstone can appear surface-dry while remaining dangerously weakened internally; test carefully before committing.
- Overnight lows near 0°C on May 5th while rock may still have been partially saturated could have caused minor freeze-thaw stress to the stone.
Reasoning
The 19.2mm deluge on May 3rd would have saturated the gritstone substantially; three dry days have elapsed but with cool temps (max 9–12°C) and moderate humidity (65–85%), the interior may not be fully dry.
South-facing aspect and moderate-to-good wind exposure (14–24 km/h from NE/E) have aided surface drying, but the ~72-hour window at cool spring temperatures is borderline for full internal drying after heavy rain on porous gritstone.
If internal moisture remains above ~1% saturation, significant compressive strength loss is possible, risking hold breakage on gritstone features — particularly on edges and crimps.
Early May conditions with overnight lows near 0°C on the 5th and cool daytime highs mean drying rates are well below summer norms; the preceding weeks also saw repeated wetting events adding cumulative moisture load.
Contributing Factors
7
19.2mm fell on May 3rd — this is a significant wetting event requiring 48–72+ hours of good drying conditions to clear from porous gritstone.
No measurable precipitation from May 4th through today (May 6th), giving approximately 72 hours of uninterrupted drying.
The south-facing orientation and exposed moorland position maximise solar radiation and wind exposure, significantly accelerating surface and near-surface drying.
Average temperatures since the rain have been around 8–10°C with overnight lows near 0°C, which substantially slows evaporative drying compared to summer conditions.
47.3mm fell in the preceding 28 days across multiple wetting events, meaning the rock had limited opportunity to fully dry before the May 3rd deluge.
Today's humidity drops to around 50% through midday with light-moderate wind, providing reasonable evaporative conditions for continued drying.
1.5mm forecast for May 7th followed by heavier rain May 9–11, meaning today may be the last viable window before another wet spell.
Recommendations
3
- Visit this afternoon when humidity is lowest (~50%) and visually inspect the rock surface and base of the crag — if the ground beneath the rock is damp, the gritstone is almost certainly still wet internally.
- Focus on upper, exposed, and overhanging problems which will have dried fastest; avoid lower slabs, cracks, and any areas showing dark patches or seepage.
- If in any doubt about dryness, wait — rain is forecast from May 9th onwards, and another extended dry spell will be needed after that.
Do Not Climb
45%
3 days ago
Heavy rain of 19.2mm fell on May 3rd (two days ago), followed by only two dry days with moderate temperatures and relatively high humidity — insufficient drying time for gritstone, despite the south-facing aspect and exposed position. The rock surface may appear dry but the interior is likely still holding significant moisture.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise's south-facing aspect and exposed moorland position are the strongest drying advantages here, but 19.2mm is a substantial soaking that requires more than 48 hours even in ideal conditions.
- The 3.5km walk-in across open moorland means ground conditions at the base of the crag will be a reliable indicator — if the peat/grass is still sodden, the rock is certainly still wet internally.
- The overnight humidity on May 4th was extremely high (96–97%) with near-calm winds, which effectively stalled drying through the night and into the following morning.
- BMC-owned since 2017, so access is assured, but the ethical responsibility to protect the rock is paramount — gritstone bouldering puts high friction loads on holds that are most vulnerable when internally damp.
Warnings
2
- 19.2mm of rain only two days ago means the gritstone almost certainly retains internal moisture despite potentially appearing surface-dry — climbing risks permanent hold damage.
- Bouldering puts intense, repeated friction loads on holds that are structurally weakened when internally damp.
Reasoning
19.2mm of rain on May 3rd would have deeply saturated the porous gritstone, and only two dry days have elapsed — with average humidity around 80–85% and moderate temperatures (~10°C), internal moisture is very likely still present.
South-facing aspect and today's increasing wind (up to 25 km/h by afternoon) are helping, but the overnight stall (calm winds, 90%+ humidity) lost many hours of drying; effective drying has been roughly 1.5 good days rather than 2 full days.
At only two days after a near-20mm soaking, the rock likely retains enough internal moisture for meaningful strength reduction (potentially 10–30%), increasing the risk of hold breakage under bouldering loads.
Early May conditions are improving but overnight temperatures are still dipping near freezing (2.2°C min today, -0.6°C on April 20th), and the preceding weeks have been persistently damp with 47mm in 28 days — the rock has had limited opportunity to fully dry out this spring.
Contributing Factors
7
19.2mm fell on May 3rd — a substantial soaking requiring 48–72+ hours of good drying conditions for gritstone.
Two calendar days since the heavy rain is borderline at best, and effective drying time has been reduced by high overnight humidity.
The south-facing, exposed moorland position is the best-case scenario for drying and significantly accelerates evaporation during daylight hours.
Overnight humidity on May 4th reached 96–97% with very light winds, effectively halting drying for 10+ hours.
47.3mm over the past 28 days with frequent small rain events means the rock has had limited opportunity to fully dry out this spring.
Temperatures around 8–12°C are adequate but not strongly driving evaporation; overnight lows near 2°C further slow drying.
Wind builds to 25 km/h from the NE through this afternoon, which will help strip moisture from the rock surface.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least one more full dry day before climbing — tomorrow (May 6th) with forecast low humidity (60%) should provide the additional drying needed.
- If you do visit, check the ground at the base of the crag: if the peat and soil are still damp, the rock is certainly not ready.
- Focus on any overhanging problems or prominently exposed arêtes first if you assess conditions on-site, as these dry fastest.
Do Not Climb
35%
4 days ago
Yesterday (May 3rd) saw 19.2mm of heavy rain throughout the morning in very humid conditions (93% humidity), and today is only the first dry day since. Despite Crookrise's favourable south-facing aspect and exposed position, gritstone needs a minimum of 48–72 hours to dry after heavy rain of this magnitude, and the rock will almost certainly still be saturated internally.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise has seen repeated wetting over the past month (47.3mm in 28 days) with very few consecutive dry days, meaning the rock has had little opportunity to fully dry out between rain events.
- The south-facing aspect and exposed moorland position are significant advantages for drying, but today's light winds (under 15 km/h) and high morning humidity (90%+) are limiting the drying rate.
- The 3.5km walk-in from Embsay Reservoir means the boggy moorland approach will itself be very wet after yesterday's heavy rain — ground conditions at the crag base are a reliable indicator of internal rock moisture.
- As a bouldering venue, problems tend to be lower to the ground where moisture persists longest due to capillary rise from saturated ground beneath the crag.
Warnings
2
- 19.2mm of rain fell yesterday; gritstone will be deeply saturated and structurally weakened despite any surface drying today.
- Surface may appear dry in the afternoon sun while the interior remains dangerously wet — do not be deceived by surface appearance.
Reasoning
With 19.2mm falling yesterday and cumulative wetting from repeated rain events over the past month, the gritstone is almost certainly saturated internally despite only one dry day having elapsed.
Only ~18 hours of dry weather have passed since heavy rain ceased, with overnight humidity above 90% and light winds — far short of the 48–72 hour minimum needed after heavy rain, even accounting for the south-facing aspect.
Gritstone at this saturation level will have lost a significant proportion of its compressive strength, and climbing today risks hold breakage and permanent damage to this BMC-owned crag.
Spring conditions with moderate temperatures (~10–13°C) and the recent pattern of frequent rain events mean the rock has had very little opportunity to reach a genuinely dry state over recent weeks.
Contributing Factors
7
19.2mm fell on May 3rd, mostly in the early-to-mid morning, representing heavy rainfall that will have deeply saturated the porous gritstone.
Just ~18 hours since significant rain stopped, far short of the 48–72 hour minimum required after heavy rain on gritstone.
47.3mm over the past 28 days with very few consecutive dry spells means the rock has had limited opportunity to dry out between rain events.
The south-facing orientation and exposed moorland position are the best possible combination for drying, and afternoon clearing skies today will help begin the process.
Humidity remained above 90% overnight and through the morning, effectively halting any evaporative drying until the afternoon.
Winds today are only 5–15 km/h, much lighter than recent days, reducing the wind-assisted drying that this exposed crag normally benefits from.
Cloud cover drops significantly from mid-afternoon with humidity falling to 60%, which will begin meaningful surface drying but is insufficient for internal drying.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — wait at least until May 6th to allow a minimum of 48–72 hours of drying after yesterday's heavy rain.
- Check ground conditions at the base of the crag on arrival; if the peat and soil are still damp, the rock is certainly still wet internally.
- Consider this a BMC-owned site — responsible stewardship means erring on the side of caution to protect these routes for the future.
Do Not Climb
95%
4 days ago
Crookrise received 19.4mm of heavy rain today with 94% humidity, thoroughly saturating the gritstone. The rock will need a minimum of 48–72 hours of dry weather before conditions become suitable for climbing.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise's south-facing aspect and exposed position are major advantages for drying, but today's 19.4mm soaking will have penetrated deeply into the porous gritstone and these favourable factors cannot overcome same-day saturation.
- The 3.5km moorland walk-in means the surrounding peat and heather will be waterlogged, and seepage from the moor above the edge can continue to feed moisture into the rock even after rain stops.
- The crag has seen repeated wetting over the past month (49mm in 28 days across multiple events on Apr 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, May 1, 2, and today), meaning the rock has had little opportunity to dry out fully at depth.
- As a BMC-owned crag, climbing on wet rock here directly damages a community asset — the BMC explicitly asks climbers to respect drying ethics on gritstone venues they manage.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on saturated gritstone risks catastrophic hold breakage — strength loss of up to 50% occurs within hours of wetting.
- The rock surface may appear dry before the interior has dried — do not be deceived by surface appearance alone after heavy rain.
Reasoning
The rock is currently saturated from 19.4mm of rain today at 94% humidity, following 2.4mm yesterday and 0.7mm on May 1st — the gritstone will be thoroughly wet through.
Despite the south-facing aspect and exposed position, drying has only just begun and the forecast shows 0.6mm tomorrow with 85% humidity and northerly winds that won't benefit the south face, meaning meaningful drying won't start until May 5th at the earliest.
With the rock fully saturated, compressive strength will be reduced by 10–50% and climbing risks permanent hold breakage and accelerated erosion on this quality gritstone.
Spring conditions with overnight temperatures near freezing (min -2.8°C on Apr 24, 0.3°C on Apr 19) have contributed to cumulative stress, and while freeze-thaw risk is diminishing it remains possible at this altitude with forecast lows of 0.6°C on May 8th.
Contributing Factors
6
19.4mm of rain today has deeply saturated the porous gritstone, with rapid capillary imbibition meaning the wetting front will have penetrated well into the rock.
94% humidity today effectively prevents any meaningful evaporative drying from the rock surface.
Multiple rain events over the past month (49mm in 28 days) mean the rock has had limited opportunity to fully dry at depth between soakings.
The south-facing, exposed position will aid drying once conditions improve, but this advantage is irrelevant while rain is still falling.
Forecast shows 0.6mm rain and 85% humidity tomorrow with northerly wind that won't directly dry the south face, extending the drying deficit.
Temperatures around 9–11°C provide some drying capacity but are not warm enough to drive rapid evaporation from saturated gritstone.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock is fully saturated from 19.4mm of heavy rain and climbing would risk permanent damage to holds and routes.
- Wait until at least May 6th before considering a visit, allowing 48–72 hours of dry weather for the gritstone to dry adequately.
- On arrival after the drying period, check the base of the crag and any seepage lines — if the ground is damp or dark patches are visible on the rock, wait longer.
Do Not Climb
93%
4 days ago
Crookrise received 17.6mm of heavy rain today with 92% humidity — the rock will be thoroughly saturated and conditions are clearly unsuitable for climbing. Even with its favourable south-facing aspect and exposed position, gritstone needs a minimum of 48–72 hours to dry after this volume of rain.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise is BMC-owned and a community asset — climbing on wet gritstone here risks permanent damage to irreplaceable boulder problems on a crag the climbing community collectively stewards.
- The 3.5km walk-in across open moorland will be boggy and waterlogged after today's heavy rain, and wet ground at the crag base is a reliable indicator that the rock remains saturated internally.
- The south-facing aspect and exposed hilltop position are the strongest drying advantages this crag has, and will aid recovery over the coming days — but cannot overcome same-day heavy saturation.
- The recent fortnight has been unsettled with multiple rain events (8.3mm on Apr 15, 2.4mm on May 2, plus today's 17.6mm), meaning the rock has had little opportunity to fully dry out at depth before being re-saturated.
Warnings
2
- 17.6mm of rain today has fully saturated the gritstone — climbing now risks permanent hold breakage and route damage.
- The surface may appear dry before the interior has dried; do not trust surface appearance alone after this volume of rain.
Reasoning
With 17.6mm falling today at 92% humidity, the gritstone will be fully saturated — capillary imbibition means the wetting front will have penetrated deeply, and significant compressive strength loss (up to 32% or more) will already have occurred.
Drying has not yet begun in any meaningful sense; today's NE wind at 23 km/h provides some airflow but with 92% humidity there is negligible net evaporation, and the south-facing aspect receives no drying benefit from a northeasterly wind direction.
At full saturation the gritstone holds are at serious risk of breakage — grain loosening, cement dissolution, and friction reduction between grains mean any climbing today would risk permanent hold damage.
Early May temperatures (~10°C) are moderate but not warm enough for rapid drying, and the recent pattern of repeated wetting events through April means the rock has had limited opportunity to dry internally between rain episodes.
Contributing Factors
6
17.6mm of precipitation today is well above the heavy rain threshold (>10mm), requiring a minimum 48–72 hours of dry weather before conditions can recover.
Humidity at 92% today means virtually no net evaporation is occurring, so the drying clock has not meaningfully started.
Multiple rain events over the past fortnight (totalling 47.2mm in 28 days) mean the rock had limited opportunity to dry at depth before today's heavy saturation.
The south-facing, exposed hilltop position is the crag's strongest drying asset and will help recovery once humidity drops and dry weather establishes.
Temperatures around 10°C are adequate but not warm enough to drive rapid evaporation, especially combined with high humidity.
With rain falling today, the consecutive dry day count is zero — the minimum 48-hour drying period has not begun.
Recommendations
3
- Do not visit Crookrise today — the rock is saturated and climbing would risk permanent damage to holds and routes.
- Wait for at least 48–72 hours of dry weather with humidity below 75% before considering a visit; check the forecast from May 5 onwards.
- On arrival after adequate drying time, check the ground at the base of the crag — if the moorland and soil beneath the boulders are still damp, the rock is likely still wet internally.
Do Not Climb
92%
4 days ago
Crookrise received 15.9mm of heavy rain today with 92% humidity — the rock will be thoroughly saturated. Even with its favourable south-facing aspect and exposed position, the gritstone needs a minimum of 48–72 hours of dry weather before climbing can be considered.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise is BMC-owned and a showcase for responsible access — climbing on wet gritstone here sets a particularly poor precedent and risks damage to this community asset.
- The 3.5km moorland walk-in means the base and approach will be boggy after today's heavy rain, and ground moisture is a reliable indicator that the rock is still wet internally.
- South-facing aspect and exposed position are significant advantages for drying, but the preceding fortnight has been persistently damp (45.5mm in 28 days) meaning background moisture levels in the rock are elevated.
- Seepage and drainage from the moorland above can feed moisture into the top of the crag and behind blocks, prolonging damp conditions even after the surface appears dry.
Warnings
2
- 15.9mm of heavy rain today means the gritstone is deeply saturated — climbing now risks catastrophic hold breakage and permanent route damage.
- The surface may appear dry before the interior has dried — do not trust surface appearance alone after this volume of rain.
Reasoning
With 15.9mm falling today on top of 2.4mm yesterday and a persistently wet April (45.5mm in 28 days), the gritstone will be deeply saturated well beyond the critical 1% threshold where significant strength loss begins.
Despite the south-facing aspect and exposed position, drying cannot meaningfully begin until rain stops; tomorrow's forecast is dry but with 83% humidity and light 13 km/h winds from the east (not hitting the south face directly), so drying will be slow initially — at least 48–72 hours needed after this volume of rain.
At current saturation levels, gritstone holds are at serious risk of breakage (potentially 30–50% compressive strength loss), and climbing would cause permanent damage to the boulder problems.
Spring conditions in late April/early May have been unusually wet, and while temperatures are above freezing (no freeze-thaw concern today), the persistent dampness means the rock has had little chance to fully dry out this season.
Contributing Factors
7
15.9mm of rain today is well above the threshold for heavy rain, thoroughly saturating the porous gritstone.
92% humidity today effectively prevents any meaningful evaporation from the rock surface.
19.2mm in the last 7 days and 45.5mm over 28 days means background moisture levels are elevated throughout the rock.
No drying time has elapsed since today's heavy rain, so the rock is at or near full saturation.
The south-facing, exposed position will aid drying once conditions improve, but cannot overcome current saturation.
Temperatures around 10°C are adequate for some drying but not exceptional — no freeze-thaw risk but also not warm enough to drive rapid evaporation.
Tomorrow is forecast dry which will begin the drying process, though 83% humidity and light winds will limit progress.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock is saturated and climbing would risk permanent damage to holds and routes on this BMC-owned crag.
- Wait a minimum of 48–72 hours from the end of today's rain before considering a visit; check the ground at the crag base is sandy-dry before climbing.
- The best window this week looks to be around May 7th onwards, when two full dry days with lower humidity and moderate temperatures should allow adequate drying.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
60%
5 days ago
Crookrise has had an extended dry spell from April 21–30 with warm temperatures and moderate wind, which should have dried the rock well. However, light rain on May 1 (0.7mm) and today (0.2mm), combined with elevated humidity (82%), introduce some uncertainty — 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.
- Crookrise is BMC-owned and a flagship conservation site — climbing on damp rock here directly undermines the organisation that protects access for all climbers.
- The south-facing aspect and exposed moorland position mean this crag benefits enormously from the recent warm, dry spell (April 21–30, up to 17.5°C with steady wind), likely achieving thorough internal drying.
- The 3.5km walk-in from Embsay Reservoir means conditions can differ from roadside expectations — check the ground at the crag base for residual moisture before climbing.
- Seepage from the moorland above can persist after wet periods; check the top of the crag and any horizontal breaks for weeping lines, particularly after the April rain accumulation.
Warnings
2
- Heavy rain forecast for tomorrow (18.8mm) will make conditions unsafe for several days — do not climb after this front arrives.
- The 3.5km walk-in means you cannot easily retreat; if conditions look damp on arrival, be prepared to walk back without climbing.
Reasoning
The extended dry window from April 21–30 (10 consecutive dry days, warm temps up to 17.5°C, low humidity down to 52%) should have thoroughly dried the rock internally, but very light rain on May 1 (0.7mm) and today (0.2mm) will have re-wetted the surface layer.
The south-facing, exposed aspect means the 0.7mm and 0.2mm of recent light rain should evaporate quickly, but today's moderate humidity (82%) and light wind (14.8 km/h) slow surface drying somewhat — the surface should be mostly dry but may have damp patches.
The prior 10-day drying window likely reduced internal moisture to safe levels; the very light recent precipitation (sub-1mm) is unlikely to have penetrated deeply, so structural risk from hold breakage is low but not zero.
Early May in Yorkshire is generally favourable for gritstone climbing with lengthening days and reasonable temperatures, though the forecast shows a significant deterioration from tomorrow (18.8mm rain) that will reset drying clocks entirely.
Contributing Factors
6
Ten consecutive dry days (April 21–30) with temperatures up to 17.5°C and humidity as low as 52% provided excellent deep-drying conditions for the gritstone.
Light rain on May 1 (0.7mm) and today (0.2mm) has re-wetted the rock surface, though penetration from sub-1mm events is minimal.
The south-facing, exposed moorland position maximises solar gain and wind drying, making this one of the fastest-drying gritstone venues in Yorkshire.
Today's humidity of 82% slows surface evaporation, meaning even the light rain may linger as damp patches longer than expected.
Today's max of 13.7°C is adequate for evaporation, particularly on south-facing rock that will warm above ambient in direct sun.
Tomorrow's forecast of 18.8mm will thoroughly saturate the rock, making today potentially the last viable climbing day for several days.
Recommendations
3
- Visit today if possible and visually assess on arrival — check the base of the crag for dry ground and feel the rock surface for any tacky dampness before climbing.
- Focus on the most exposed, upper sections of the crag which will have dried fastest; avoid any low-lying or sheltered sections that may still hold moisture.
- Do not plan to climb from tomorrow onwards — 18.8mm of rain on May 3 followed by further rain on May 5 and 6 will fully saturate the rock and require extended drying time.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
70%
6 days ago
Crookrise has had an extended dry spell from April 21–30 with only a trace of rain on April 27 (0.2mm), and today shows just 0.2mm. The south-facing, exposed aspect combined with warm temperatures (up to 18.9°C today) and moderate winds should have dried the rock well, but today's trace precipitation and the recent humidity prevent a fully confident "safe" call.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise's south-facing aspect and exposed moorland position mean it benefits from excellent solar radiation and consistent wind, making it one of the faster-drying gritstone venues in the Yorkshire Dales.
- The 3.5km walk-in across open moorland can be boggy in spring — wet ground at the crag base is a useful proxy indicator of internal rock moisture.
- As a BMC-owned crag with 242 boulder problems, Crookrise sees regular traffic and the community ethic around not climbing on damp grit is strong — respect this as a stewardship site.
- Some lower problems and those in sheltered gullies or with north-facing micro-aspects may retain moisture longer than the main south-facing edge.
Warnings
1
- A significant wet spell is forecast from May 3 onwards — conditions will deteriorate and gritstone will need 48+ hours of drying after the rain passes.
Reasoning
The rock has had effectively 10 consecutive dry days (April 21–30) with only a negligible 0.2mm on April 27, following moderate rain on April 20 (2.2mm), so internal moisture should have dissipated significantly given the favourable aspect and exposure.
South-facing aspect, exposed position at 320m, warm temperatures reaching 17–18°C, and moderate easterly winds over the past week provide excellent drying conditions — well exceeding the 48–72 hour guideline for the last meaningful rain on April 20.
With over 10 days of effective drying since the last significant rain, structural risk from moisture-weakened gritstone is low, though today's trace precipitation (0.2mm) warrants a surface check.
Early May brings lengthening days, improving solar angles, and generally favourable drying conditions; overnight frost risk is low but not absent (min -2.8°C on April 24), though freeze-thaw risk is minimal given the dry rock state.
Contributing Factors
6
Effectively 10 days of dry weather since the last meaningful rain on April 20 (2.2mm), with only 0.4mm total precipitation in the last 7 days.
The south-facing orientation and exposed moorland position provide maximum solar radiation and wind exposure, making this one of the fastest-drying gritstone crags in the area.
Temperatures reaching 16–19°C over the past few days with an average of 9.9°C significantly aid evaporation from the rock.
The 0.2mm recorded today is negligible but technically breaks the dry streak and could leave a surface film, warranting visual assessment.
6mm forecast for May 3 followed by further rain on May 4–6 means this is a closing window of good conditions.
Humidity averaging 69% over the past week is moderate — not ideal but not obstructing drying given the wind and temperature.
Recommendations
3
- Visit today or tomorrow (May 1–2) to take advantage of the closing dry window before rain arrives on May 3.
- On arrival, check the ground at the crag base — if the peat and soil feel dry and sandy rather than damp, the rock is very likely dry throughout.
- Avoid lower problems or any sheltered recesses that may have trapped moisture, and carry a soft boar's hair brush to clean holds responsibly.
Likely Safe to Climb
82%
9 days ago
Crookrise has had only a trace of rain (0.2mm on April 27) in the last 7 days, following a substantial dry spell from April 21–26 with warm temperatures up to 17.5°C and low humidity. The south-facing, exposed aspect combined with several days of good drying conditions means the gritstone should be thoroughly dry today.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Crookrise's south-facing aspect and exposed moorland position mean it benefits from both direct solar radiation and consistent wind, making it one of the faster-drying gritstone venues in the Yorkshire Dales.
- The 3.5km walk-in from Embsay Reservoir means conditions at the car park may not reflect conditions at the crag — the moorland at 320m can be windier and drier on the rock faces than the sheltered valley suggests.
- Being BMC-owned, Crookrise has no access restrictions beyond ethical climbing practice, but as a gritstone bouldering venue the 'Love the rocks' ethic applies fully — brush holds with a soft boar's hair brush and remove tick marks.
- Some lower problems and those near drainage lines or moss-covered sections may retain dampness longer than the main south-facing buttresses — check these individually.
Reasoning
The last meaningful rain was 2.2mm on April 20, over 8 days ago, with only a negligible 0.2mm on April 27; combined with the extended dry spell from April 21–26 featuring temperatures up to 17.5°C and humidity as low as 52%, the rock should be well dried internally.
The south-facing, exposed aspect at 320m has received excellent drying conditions — multiple days of moderate wind (20–28 km/h), low-to-moderate humidity (52–76%), and warm temperatures (up to 17.5°C) since the last significant rain on April 20, providing over a week of effective drying.
With over 8 days since any meaningful precipitation and extended warm, dry conditions, the risk of structural weakness from internal moisture is very low.
Late April conditions are favourable for gritstone climbing with lengthening days and improving temperatures, though overnight frost is still possible at 320m (min -2.8°C on April 24) — however, the rock is dry enough that freeze-thaw is not a current concern.
Contributing Factors
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Over 8 days since meaningful rain (2.2mm on April 20), with only a trace 0.2mm on April 27, providing ample drying time well beyond the 48-hour guideline.
The south-facing orientation and exposed moorland position maximise solar radiation and wind exposure, making Crookrise one of the fastest-drying gritstone crags in the area.
Today features 0mm precipitation, 59% humidity, 31 km/h easterly wind, and 13.2°C — excellent drying and climbing conditions.
Temperatures reached 16–17.5°C on April 24–25 with humidity as low as 52%, driving effective evaporation from the rock's interior during the dry spell.
Overnight humidity reached 88–92% on April 28, which can deposit surface condensation, but today's strong wind and low humidity will quickly clear any surface moisture.
Late April provides lengthening days with good solar angles for the south-facing aspect, and the recent dry spell has allowed the rock to shed the accumulated moisture from the wetter early April period.
Recommendations
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- Conditions look excellent for bouldering today — head up and enjoy the moorland setting.
- Check lower problems and any moss-covered or drainage-adjacent sections individually, as these may still hold residual dampness.
- Bring a soft boar's hair brush and remove all tick marks after your session — Crookrise is BMC-owned and the gritstone ethic applies.
Climbing Outlook