Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Raven Crag has had a prolonged unsettled spell with 10.1mm on May 3rd and light precipitation on several recent days including today, and the forecast shows continued showery weather through the coming week. Although the south-facing volcanic rock dries relatively quickly, persistent cloud cover, high humidity, and intermittent drizzle today mean the surface is unlikely to offer reliable friction.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Known seepage lines on the left side of the crag will be active given 15mm of rain in the last seven days and ongoing moisture, making routes in that area particularly unreliable.
- At 280m the crag can sit in low cloud even when the valley floor is clear — today's hourly forecast shows near-100% cloud cover all day, which will suppress drying and may deposit condensation on the rock.
- The south/south-east aspect is favourable for drying, but with persistent overcast skies and no meaningful dry window in the forecast, solar radiation is negligible and this advantage is largely negated.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll means conditions can be assessed quickly without committing to a long walk-in, which is useful given the current uncertainty.
Warnings
2
- Friction on Borrowdale Volcanic rock drops dramatically when damp — do not commit to harder routes if there is any surface moisture.
- Low cloud at crag level today and in coming days may deposit moisture on the rock even during rain-free hours.
Reasoning
Light but persistent precipitation over the last few days (10.1mm on May 3rd, 0.6mm on May 5th, 2.0mm today) combined with high humidity (77% average over the past week) means the rock surface is likely damp, particularly in sheltered areas and seepage lines.
Despite the south-facing aspect and moderate wind exposure, near-total cloud cover today and high humidity have prevented any meaningful solar drying; the last genuinely dry spell was April 29–30 and has been interrupted repeatedly since.
As non-porous Borrowdale Volcanic rock, there is no structural risk from moisture — the concern is purely friction loss on damp surfaces.
Early May in the Lake District remains changeable; temperatures around 8–10°C at crag altitude are cool enough to slow evaporation, and the unsettled Atlantic pattern shows no sign of breaking this week.
Contributing Factors
6
Multiple days of light precipitation this week (May 3rd 10.1mm, May 5th 0.6mm, today 2.0mm) have kept the rock surface intermittently wet with no sustained drying window.
Humidity averaging 77% over the past week and near-100% cloud cover today suppress evaporative drying even on this well-aspected crag.
The S/SE aspect would normally promote fast drying, but persistent overcast conditions negate most of the solar benefit.
Borrowdale Volcanic rock does not absorb water, so only surface moisture needs to evaporate — drying will be rapid once a genuine dry window arrives.
The next five days show rain on four out of five days (1.6mm, 5.8mm, 0.3mm, 4.1mm, 2.8mm), preventing any sustained drying period.
The cumulative 15mm over the last week and 119.5mm over 28 days will keep known seepage lines on the left side of the crag running.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for a sustained dry spell of at least 24–48 hours with lower humidity before visiting — the forecast does not show this within the next five days.
- If you do travel to the area, the short approach allows a quick visual check; focus on right-side routes away from known seepage lines if rock appears dry to the touch.
- Monitor the forecast for a change in the pattern around May 13th when dry conditions may finally arrive.
Previous Analyses
Marginal — Assess Conditions
65%
2 days ago
The crag has had two mostly dry days since the last significant rain (10.1mm on May 3rd), and today is dry with low humidity through the afternoon — the south-facing aspect and moderate wind should have dried most surfaces. However, 0.6mm fell yesterday and high cloud cover limits solar drying, so some damp patches and seepage lines may linger; a visual check on arrival is warranted.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The left side of the crag has known seepage lines that can persist for several days after the heavy rain earlier in the period (over 100mm in the last 28 days).
- The south/south-east aspect catches good afternoon sun, but today's high cloud cover (55–98%) limits direct solar drying significantly.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll means climbers can quickly retreat if conditions are worse than expected — an advantage on a marginal day.
- At 280m, low cloud can envelop the crag even when the valley floor is clear; today's cloud percentages suggest this is possible, which would add surface moisture.
Warnings
2
- Rain is forecast from tomorrow onwards with heavy precipitation expected May 9–10; today may be the last viable climbing day for nearly a week.
- Low cloud may settle on the crag at 280m even when the valley appears clear — be prepared to retreat if visibility and dampness worsen suddenly.
Reasoning
The last significant rain was 10.1mm on May 3rd, followed by two near-dry days (0.0mm and 0.6mm) and today's essentially dry conditions, so exposed surfaces should be mostly dry but sheltered areas and seepage lines may retain dampness.
The south-facing aspect and moderate SE wind (11 km/h) aid drying, but persistent high cloud cover today limits direct solar heating, slowing evaporation compared to a clear sunny day.
Rhyolite/BVS rock is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so hold breakage from moisture is not a concern.
Early May in the Lakes is a transitional period with cool temperatures (max ~10°C) and shorter reliable drying windows; the heavy April rainfall (117mm in 28 days) means the hillside is generally saturated, feeding seepage.
Contributing Factors
6
No significant precipitation since May 3rd (10.1mm), giving roughly 48+ hours of drying on a non-porous south-facing crag.
Cloud cover remains 55–98% through the afternoon, limiting direct solar radiation that would otherwise accelerate drying on this south-facing crag.
Humidity drops to 46–47% this afternoon, which is excellent for evaporative drying of surface moisture.
Over 117mm fell in the last 28 days, saturating the hillside and likely feeding persistent seepage lines on the left side of the crag.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water, so only surface moisture and seepage need to evaporate rather than deep rock saturation.
Light rain forecast tomorrow (1.1mm) building to heavier rain by May 9–10 (10.9mm and 20.7mm), making today the best window for several days.
Recommendations
3
- Today's afternoon (12:00–17:00) offers the best window with the lowest humidity and some sun breaks — arrive early to visually assess conditions and make the most of any dry window.
- Avoid routes on the left side of the crag where known seepage lines are most likely to be active after the wet April.
- Carry a towel and consider sticking to lower-grade routes where friction is less critical, as some damp patches may remain in sheltered corners.
Do Not Climb
55%
3 days ago
Raven Crag has received 10.1mm of rain yesterday (May 3rd) and further light rain today with 3.7mm forecast including showers mid-morning and heavier rain arriving around 17:00. Although the rock is non-porous and the south-facing aspect aids drying, the combination of recent rain, high cloud cover limiting solar drying, and further showers today means surface friction will be unreliable for much of the day.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Known seepage lines on the left side of the crag will be active given 10.1mm fell yesterday and further rain today — routes like those on the left wall should be avoided entirely.
- The south/south-east aspect is largely negated today by near-total cloud cover (80–100%) through the morning and afternoon, severely limiting solar drying.
- At 280m altitude with temperatures around 7–10°C and high humidity, evaporative drying will be slow even during the brief drier window in the early afternoon.
- The short approach from the New Dungeon Ghyll means climbers can react quickly to changing conditions, but the crag may be in low cloud given 100% cloud cover forecast for much of the day.
Warnings
2
- Heavier rain (2.1mm) is forecast from 17:00 — do not start multi-pitch routes in the afternoon that could leave you exposed on the crag during the evening shower.
- Seepage lines will be active across the crag given the saturated hillside; test friction carefully on every pitch.
Reasoning
The rock surface received 10.1mm of rain on May 3rd, had a dry day yesterday (May 4th) that only began clearing in the afternoon, and is receiving further light showers today — surface moisture is highly likely on much of the crag.
Yesterday's afternoon clearing (from ~15:00 with dropping humidity to 61%) provided a few hours of drying, but today's overcast skies, low temperatures (~8–10°C), and light winds (~9 km/h) severely limit further drying before the late-afternoon rain arrives.
Borrowdale Volcanic rhyolite is non-porous and suffers no structural damage from moisture — no hold breakage risk.
Early May in the Lakes often brings unsettled weather; the recent wet spell (120.6mm in 28 days) means the hillside is saturated and seepage lines will be fed for some time even after surface rain stops.
Contributing Factors
7
10.1mm fell on May 3rd and 3.7mm is forecast today, following a very wet 28-day period (120.6mm) that will keep seepage lines active.
Light showers forecast at 11:00 and 12:00, then heavier rain (2.1mm) at 17:00 with 0.7mm at 18:00, leaving only a narrow potentially dry window from ~13:00–16:00.
Cloud cover is 80–100% for most of the day, negating the south-facing aspect's usual drying advantage.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water or weaken structurally, so the concern is purely friction and safety rather than route damage.
Winds of 9–12 km/h from the north provide some airflow across the face, assisting surface evaporation during dry spells.
Temperatures at crag level are around 7–10°C today, which limits the rate of evaporation compared to warmer spring days.
There is a potential 3-hour window from 13:00–16:00 with no rain forecast and humidity dropping to 56–60%, but this follows morning showers and precedes evening rain.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for the drier spell forecast from tomorrow (May 6th) onwards — conditions should improve significantly with 0mm rain and 59% humidity forecast.
- If you do visit today, the early afternoon window (13:00–16:00) is the only viable period, but visually inspect every hold for dampness and be prepared to retreat.
- Avoid routes on the left side of the crag where persistent seepage lines will be running after the recent wet spell.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
70%
4 days ago
Yesterday's 10mm of rain on already-saturated ground means the crag started today damp, but a full dry day with clearing skies, dropping humidity (to ~56%), and moderate wind from the west should allow the south-facing volcanic rock to dry through the afternoon. By mid-to-late afternoon conditions are likely good on the main face, but seepage lines and sheltered areas may remain damp — assess on arrival.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The left side of the crag has known seepage lines that persist well after rain — these will likely still be running or damp today given the heavy cumulative rainfall of the past month (117mm in 28 days).
- The south/south-east aspect is catching good sun from early afternoon today as cloud clears dramatically (from ~95% to under 30% by 15:00), creating an accelerating drying window through the afternoon.
- At 280m altitude the crag may have been in low cloud or mist this morning (humidity was 89–91% until mid-morning), which would have delayed the start of effective drying.
- The heavy April rainfall (multiple 10mm+ days) will have charged the hillside above with moisture, so drainage seepage could persist on some routes even once surface rock has dried.
Warnings
2
- Seepage lines on the left side of the crag are likely still active given the heavy cumulative April/May rainfall — do not assume the entire crag is dry even if the main face appears good.
- Cloud base at 280m may return overnight or tomorrow morning; conditions can change rapidly at this altitude even in spring.
Reasoning
10.1mm fell yesterday (May 3rd) with persistent drizzle through the morning, and the crag has been in near-saturated conditions (85–91% humidity) overnight into this morning — surface moisture is likely present on much of the rock early in the day.
The south-facing aspect is benefiting from dramatic cloud clearance this afternoon (down to ~20% by 17:00), dropping humidity (58–56%), and moderate 14–15 km/h westerly wind, providing strong drying conditions from roughly 14:00 onwards — non-porous rhyolite surfaces should dry within a few hours under these conditions.
BVS rhyolite is non-porous and does not suffer structural damage when wet; there is no hold-breakage risk from climbing on damp rock, though friction is significantly reduced.
Early May in the Lakes is a transitional period with lengthening days providing good drying hours, but the heavy April rainfall has saturated the hillside and overnight temperatures near 7°C limit overnight evaporation.
Contributing Factors
7
10.1mm of rain fell yesterday with drizzle persisting through the morning, leaving the crag wet at the start of today.
Cloud cover drops from ~95% to under 30% through the afternoon with humidity falling to 56% and 14 km/h wind, creating strong drying conditions on the south-facing rock from approximately 14:00.
The S/SE aspect receives direct solar radiation through the afternoon clearing, which is the most effective drying mechanism for surface moisture on non-porous rock.
117mm over the past 28 days means the hillside is well-charged with water, increasing the likelihood of persistent seepage on drainage lines.
Humidity remained 85–91% through the morning with near-total cloud cover, meaning effective drying only began around midday at the earliest.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water, so once surface moisture evaporates the rock will offer full friction with no internal dampness concern.
Partial wind exposure with 14–15 km/h westerly breeze aids evaporation, though the crag's sheltered lower sections may benefit less.
Recommendations
3
- Wait until mid-to-late afternoon (after 14:00–15:00) to allow the clearing skies and dropping humidity to dry the rock surface — touch-test holds before committing to routes.
- Avoid the left side of the crag where seepage lines are known to persist; the main buttress and right-hand routes in full sun will be driest.
- Carry a towel and be prepared to retreat if friction feels poor — the BVS rock is outstanding when dry but greasy when damp, and yesterday's rain may linger in sheltered corners.
Do Not Climb
65%
4 days ago
Raven Crag received nearly 10mm of rain today and the rock will still be wet or damp this evening; although the south-facing volcanic rock dries relatively quickly, there has not yet been any meaningful drying time. The preceding week saw a good dry spell, but today's rain has reset surface conditions and known seepage lines will be running.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The left side of the crag has persistent seepage lines that will be actively running after today's 10mm of rain and the 2mm that fell on May 1st, potentially affecting routes like Centipede and others on that flank.
- The south/south-east aspect means the crag will receive direct sun from mid-morning tomorrow, which should promote rapid surface drying on exposed faces — but recessed corners and gullies will lag behind.
- At 280m altitude, overnight temperatures around 6–7°C with 84% humidity mean dew formation is likely, which can re-wet surfaces that partially dried during the afternoon.
- Low cloud frequently envelops this crag even when the valley floor is clear — a northerly wind with moderate humidity tomorrow could push cloud onto the crag and stall drying.
Warnings
2
- Active seepage lines on the left side of the crag will make some routes dangerous even after exposed surfaces appear dry.
- Low cloud can envelop the crag without warning at 280m — if cloud rolls in, conditions can deteriorate rapidly mid-climb.
Reasoning
The crag is currently wet from today's 9.9mm of rain, with zero consecutive dry days and high humidity (84%), meaning all surfaces will have standing moisture and seepage lines will be active.
Although rhyolite is non-porous and the south-facing aspect promotes quick drying, the rain fell today with only light northerly winds (13 km/h) and high humidity, so meaningful drying has not yet occurred and will not begin until tomorrow's sun hits the face.
Borrowdale Volcanic rhyolite does not absorb water or suffer structural weakening when wet, so there is no hold-breakage risk — the concern is purely friction loss on damp surfaces.
Early May in the Lakes brings improving conditions but still-cool overnight temperatures and variable weather; the recent wet April (122mm in 28 days) means ground saturation is high and seepage will persist longer than surface moisture.
Contributing Factors
7
Nearly 10mm fell today, resetting surface conditions entirely and activating seepage lines across the crag.
No drying time has passed since today's rain, so all rock surfaces will be wet or damp.
Current humidity of 84% significantly slows evaporative drying from the rock surface.
The S/SE aspect will receive strong solar radiation tomorrow, promoting relatively rapid surface drying on exposed sections.
Rhyolite does not absorb moisture internally, so once surface water evaporates the rock regains full friction quickly.
Over 120mm of rain in the last 28 days means the ground and seepage sources are saturated, prolonging water flow onto the crag.
Moderate northerly wind offers limited drying effect on the south-facing crag face today.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the crag is wet from this morning's rain and friction will be unreliable on the volcanic rock.
- Tomorrow (May 4th) looks more promising with dry weather and westerly winds, but arrive after midday to allow the sun to dry exposed faces and visually check seepage lines before committing.
- Avoid the left side of the crag where persistent seepage lines are known to run after rain — these will take longer to dry than the main buttresses.
Do Not Climb
70%
4 days ago
Raven Crag received 8.9mm of rain today with high humidity (85%), and the rock will be wet this evening. Although the south-facing volcanic rock dries relatively quickly, there has not been sufficient drying time today, and known seepage lines on the left side of the crag will be active after this rain on top of a wet recent period.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The left side of the crag has persistent seepage lines that will be actively running after today's 8.9mm rain following a wet preceding fortnight (121mm in 28 days).
- The south/south-east aspect is a significant advantage — when sun breaks through tomorrow, direct solar radiation will accelerate surface drying considerably.
- At 280m, low cloud can envelop the crag even when the Langdale valley floor is clear, trapping moisture and preventing effective drying.
- The preceding dry spell from April 21–30 (10 essentially dry days with warm temperatures up to 18.9°C) will have drained deeper seepage reservoirs, so residual seepage should clear more quickly than after a prolonged wet spell.
Warnings
2
- Seepage lines on the left side of the crag may remain active for 24–48 hours after today's rain despite the rock being non-porous.
- Low cloud at 280m can persist even when the valley is clear — if the crag is in cloud, surfaces will remain damp regardless of forecast sunshine.
Reasoning
The rock surface is currently wet from today's 8.9mm rain combined with 85% humidity and only 13 km/h northerly wind, and no drying time has elapsed since precipitation.
With the south-facing aspect, partial wind exposure, and forecast dry weather tomorrow (0mm, 17.6 km/h westerly), surface moisture should clear by mid-morning tomorrow if cloud lifts, but seepage lines will take longer to dry given the cumulative 121mm over the past 28 days.
Rhyolite/BVS rock is non-porous and suffers no structural damage when wet; the concern is purely friction loss on damp surfaces.
Early May in the Lakes brings improving conditions but spring weather remains changeable; daylight hours are good for drying and the freeze-thaw risk at 280m is now minimal.
Contributing Factors
7
8.9mm fell today with high humidity (85%), leaving the rock surface wet with no drying time elapsed.
121mm over 28 days means groundwater and seepage reservoirs are well charged, prolonging seepage line activity.
The S/SE aspect receives strong solar radiation through the day, significantly accelerating surface drying when skies clear.
Ten essentially dry days (April 21–30) with temperatures reaching 18.9°C helped drain deeper seepage before the recent rain.
0mm precipitation forecast for May 4 with moderate westerly wind (17.6 km/h) and dropping humidity (77%) should promote good drying.
85% humidity today and 77% forecast tomorrow slow evaporation rates, particularly in sheltered sections of the crag.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water, so only surface moisture and seepage need to clear rather than requiring deep rock drying.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock is wet from this morning's rain and friction on BVS rhyolite is poor when damp.
- Tomorrow (May 4) could be viable if the sun comes out; arrive mid-morning and visually check surfaces and seepage lines before committing.
- Avoid the left side of the crag where seepage lines are known to persist — routes on the right side and south-facing buttresses will dry first.
Do Not Climb
60%
4 days ago
Raven Crag received 6.3mm of rain today with high humidity (85%), and the rock will still be wet or damp this evening. Although the south-facing volcanic rock dries relatively quickly, there has been insufficient drying time today, and known seepage lines on the left side of the crag will be active after this rain on top of a wet recent period.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The left side of the crag has persistent seepage lines that will be actively running after today's 6.3mm rain combined with 2.3mm in the preceding two days, and these can take 24–48 hours to subside even on non-porous rock.
- The south/south-east aspect is a major asset — when the sun breaks through tomorrow, direct solar heating will accelerate surface drying significantly, but at 280m low cloud can negate this entirely.
- The preceding dry spell from April 21–30 (10 essentially dry days with warm temps up to 18.9°C) will have allowed deep seepage reserves to largely drain, so recovery from today's rain should be faster than if the crag were fully saturated.
- The northerly wind today (12.2 km/h) is blowing onto the sheltered side of this south-facing crag, providing minimal drying benefit; a shift to westerly or southerly winds tomorrow will help more.
Warnings
2
- Today's wet rock surface will be extremely slippery — volcanic rock loses its trademark friction when damp, creating a serious fall risk on multi-pitch trad routes.
- The approach path from New Dungeon Ghyll will be muddy and slippery after today's rain; take care on the steep sections.
Reasoning
The rock surface is currently wet from today's 6.3mm of rain at 85% humidity, and with only a light northerly breeze there has been negligible drying through the day.
The south-facing aspect has received limited solar benefit today due to overcast, humid conditions, and the northerly wind direction means the crag face is relatively sheltered — meaningful drying has not yet begun.
As non-porous Borrowdale Volcanic rhyolite, there is no risk of structural damage or hold breakage from climbing on damp rock; the concern is purely friction loss and climber safety on slippery surfaces.
Early May in the Lakes brings lengthening days and increasingly effective solar drying, but temperatures remain cool (10.6°C max today) and spring weather remains unsettled with frequent frontal systems.
Contributing Factors
7
Today's 6.3mm of rain means the rock surface is currently wet with zero consecutive dry days, and drying has barely begun.
Today's 85% humidity severely inhibits evaporation and will keep the rock surface damp well into the evening.
The light northerly wind (12.2 km/h) provides minimal drying benefit to this south-facing crag as it blows against the sheltered rear.
The S/SE aspect is a strong drying asset, but cloud cover and humidity today have limited its effectiveness — it will become the key drying factor tomorrow.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water, so surface moisture will evaporate relatively quickly once conditions improve, without the extended internal drying times needed for sandstone.
The excellent 10-day dry spell from April 21–30 drained deep seepage reserves, meaning today's rain is unlikely to reactivate prolonged seepage beyond the known left-side lines.
8.7mm in the last 7 days and 118.6mm over 28 days indicates a generally wet spring period, though the recent dry spell mitigates the longer-term total.
Recommendations
3
- Wait until tomorrow afternoon at the earliest — the south-facing aspect and forecast dry weather with westerly winds should allow good surface drying by midday on May 4th.
- Avoid the left side of the crag (seepage-prone area) for at least 24–48 hours; routes on the right side of the buttress will dry first.
- If visiting tomorrow, do a hands-on friction test on lower holds before committing to a route — the rock should feel rough and grippy, not glassy or slick.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
55%
5 days ago
After an excellent dry spell from April 21–30, light rain on May 1 (2.0mm) and today (1.4mm) has interrupted the drying trend. The south-facing volcanic rock should handle these small amounts quickly, but with 85% humidity today and more rain forecast tomorrow, surfaces may not be fully dry and seepage lines could be active.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The left side of the crag has known persistent seepage lines that can reactivate even after modest rainfall — check these areas carefully before committing to routes on that side.
- The extended dry spell from April 21–30 (10 essentially dry days with highs reaching 18°C) will have thoroughly dried out deeper seepage reservoirs, meaning the recent light rain is unlikely to cause prolonged weeping.
- Low cloud can envelop the crag at 280m even when Langdale valley floor is clear — today's high humidity (85%) and westerly airflow increase this risk, which would keep surfaces damp.
- The south/SE aspect catches afternoon sun well in early May, so if cloud breaks, exposed faces could dry within a couple of hours even from light dampness.
Warnings
2
- Low cloud may envelop the crag at 280m today despite clear conditions in the valley — check visibility and dampness on arrival.
- The forecast shows further rain on May 3, 5, and 6 — plan around these days as conditions will deteriorate.
Reasoning
Light rain today (1.4mm) on top of 2.0mm yesterday means the rock surface is likely damp right now, though the preceding 8+ dry days will have eliminated any deep-seated moisture.
The south-facing aspect and moderate wind (15.8 km/h W) should dry surface moisture from these small totals within a few hours of any sun, but today's 85% humidity slows evaporation considerably.
Borrowdale Volcanic rhyolite is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening when wet — there is no hold-breakage risk from climbing on damp rock, only reduced friction.
Early May in the Lakes is transitional — days are long enough for good solar drying but temperatures at 280m remain modest (12°C max today), and spring weather is characteristically unsettled.
Contributing Factors
6
1.4mm today following 2.0mm yesterday means rock surfaces are likely damp this morning, though these are small totals for non-porous rock.
Eight essentially consecutive dry days (April 21–30) with warm temperatures up to 18.9°C will have thoroughly dried the crag and reduced seepage reservoir levels.
Humidity at 85% significantly slows surface evaporation and may keep the rock feeling greasy even where not directly wet.
The S/SE aspect receives excellent solar radiation in early May, capable of drying light surface moisture within hours if cloud breaks.
6.2mm forecast for May 3 means any drying achieved today could be reversed, and the unsettled pattern continues through the week.
Borrowdale Volcanic rhyolite does not absorb water, so only surface moisture needs to evaporate — no risk of internal weakening or prolonged drying requirement.
Recommendations
3
- If visiting today, arrive mid-afternoon to maximise drying time from any sun, and visually inspect rock surfaces — particularly the left side seepage lines — before committing to routes.
- Favour the more exposed, right-side routes which tend to catch wind and sun better and are less affected by seepage.
- Given the unsettled forecast through the week, consider waiting for May 7–8 when a drier, clearer spell is predicted with lower humidity.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
65%
6 days ago
After an excellent drying spell from April 21–30 (10 essentially dry days with warm temps up to 18.9°C and low humidity), 1mm of rain today interrupts the streak but is unlikely to significantly affect an otherwise well-dried south-facing volcanic crag. However, today's moisture combined with rising humidity forecast tomorrow means on-site assessment is prudent.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The left side of the crag has known persistent seepage lines that may still be damp from the heavy mid-April rain (over 50mm fell April 14–18), even after the recent dry spell — inspect these areas before committing.
- The south/SE aspect and 280m altitude mean the crag benefits from strong solar heating through the day; the recent dry spell with temps reaching 17–19°C will have thoroughly dried most of the face.
- Low cloud can envelop the crag even when Langdale valley floor is clear — today's rising humidity (67%) and tomorrow's forecast 86% humidity increase the chance of mist keeping the rock damp.
- The 1mm of rain today is trivial on non-porous volcanic rock and should evaporate quickly on any sun-warmed surfaces, but shaded gullies and north-facing features may retain moisture.
Warnings
2
- Heavy rain is forecast for May 3 (16.6mm) — plan accordingly if a multi-day trip, as conditions will deteriorate significantly.
- Low cloud may obscure the crag even when the valley is clear; be prepared to retreat if mist rolls in and the rock becomes greasy.
Reasoning
The crag had a superb drying window from April 21–30 with negligible precipitation and humidity dropping as low as 43%, but today's 1mm of rain and 67% humidity mean the surface may carry a light film of moisture in places.
The south-facing aspect at 280m with moderate wind exposure (16.6 km/h from the south today) should allow the trivial 1mm to evaporate within hours of any sunshine, and the preceding 10-day dry spell means no residual deep seepage concern on main faces.
Borrowdale Volcanic rhyolite is non-porous and extremely hard — there is no risk of structural damage or hold breakage from the recent wet period.
Early May in the Lakes is a transitional period with lengthening days and strengthening sun, but temperatures remain modest and unpredictable weather can bring rapid changes; bird nesting restrictions should be checked on BMC RAD.
Contributing Factors
6
Ten essentially dry days (April 21–30) with warm temperatures up to 18.9°C and humidity as low as 43% provided excellent drying conditions for the crag.
1mm of precipitation today breaks the dry streak, though this is a trivial amount on non-porous volcanic rock.
The S/SE aspect receives strong spring sunshine, accelerating evaporation of any surface moisture.
Forecast humidity of 86% tomorrow with no precipitation suggests potential for damp air and slow surface drying.
Over 50mm fell April 14–18, but the subsequent 10-day dry spell should have cleared all but the most persistent seepage lines.
Partial wind exposure with 16.6 km/h southerly today aids surface evaporation on this south-facing crag.
Recommendations
3
- Visit the crag and visually inspect the rock surface — if the main faces feel dry and gritty with good friction, conditions should be fine for climbing.
- Avoid the left side of the crag where persistent seepage lines are known; focus on the central and right-hand routes which dry fastest.
- Check BMC RAD for any active bird nesting restrictions before setting out — peregrine and raven restrictions may be in effect through June.
Likely Safe to Climb
90%
9 days ago
Raven Crag should be in excellent condition today. The last meaningful rain was on April 20 (3.1mm), giving over 8 days of effectively dry weather with good sun, low humidity, and moderate wind on this south-facing volcanic crag. Surface moisture will have long since evaporated.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Known seepage lines on the left side of the crag may still carry residual moisture from the very wet mid-April period (over 50mm fell April 14–17), though over 10 dry days should have cleared most of these.
- The south/south-east aspect has been receiving direct solar radiation through the recent high-pressure spell, with temperatures reaching 17–18°C on April 24–25 — ideal for thorough drying.
- Low cloud can envelop the crag at 280m even when the valley floor is clear; today's forecast of 55% humidity and SE wind makes this unlikely but worth monitoring.
- April is within the bird nesting restriction window (Feb–June) — check BMC RAD for any current peregrine or raven nesting closures on specific buttresses before climbing.
Reasoning
The rock surface should be thoroughly dry — only 0.2mm of negligible precipitation has fallen in the last 7 days, humidity has averaged just 60%, and the last significant rain (3.1mm on April 20) was 9 days ago.
The south-facing aspect and moderate wind exposure have provided excellent drying conditions through a sustained dry spell from April 21–29, with daytime temperatures up to 17.7°C and humidity dropping as low as 43%.
Rhyolite/BVS volcanic rock is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so there is no hold-breakage risk even given the heavy earlier rainfall.
Late April in the Lakes offers lengthening days and improving solar angles; the recent warm spell has been unusually favourable, though overnight frost is still possible at 280m (min of -0.4°C recorded on April 25).
Contributing Factors
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Over 8 consecutive days with essentially no rain (only 0.2mm trace precipitation since April 20) have allowed thorough drying of all surfaces.
Today's humidity of 55% with SE wind at 21 km/h provides excellent evaporative conditions and prevents condensation on the rock.
The south/SE-facing crag has received strong solar radiation throughout the dry spell, with peak temperatures of 17–18°C driving rapid surface drying.
163mm fell in the last 28 days including very heavy spells mid-April, but the 9+ dry days since have been more than sufficient for non-porous volcanic rock to shed all surface moisture.
Known seepage lines on the left side of the crag may retain traces of moisture from the saturated mid-April period, though prolonged drying makes this unlikely to affect most routes.
Partial wind exposure with 21 km/h SE winds today aids surface evaporation without creating dangerous gusting conditions on the multi-pitch routes.
Recommendations
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- Conditions look excellent — enjoy the superb BVS friction on this classic crag, but visually check for any residual dampness on seepage lines on the left side before committing to routes there.
- Check BMC RAD for any active bird nesting restrictions before climbing, as April falls within the peregrine/raven nesting season.
- Make the most of today and tomorrow — conditions may deteriorate from May 2 onwards as humidity rises significantly and light rain returns.
Climbing Outlook