Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Almscliff has had four consecutive dry days since the heavy 24.5mm deluge on May 3rd, with moderate temperatures and reasonable wind, but the exposed hilltop S/W aspect has aided drying. The rock surface should be largely dry on south-facing sections, but internal moisture from that significant rainfall event may linger — a visual and tactile check on arrival is essential before committing to climb.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The 24.5mm rainfall on May 3rd was the heaviest single-day event in a month and will have deeply saturated the gritstone; four dry days is borderline adequate for full internal drying.
- Almscliff's exposed hilltop position and S/W aspect are significant drying advantages — wind has been consistent at 17–22 km/h from favourable directions over the drying period.
- The base of Low Man and any north-facing sections or sheltered gullies between the tiers will retain moisture longer than the upper, south-facing walls of High Man.
- Access is on private land — climbing on damp rock risks both permanent route damage and the goodwill of the landowner, so err on the side of caution.
Warnings
2
- Do not climb if the ground at the base of the crag is still damp — this indicates the rock retains internal moisture despite a dry surface.
- Rain is forecast from May 8th onwards; conditions will deteriorate significantly and a new extended drying period will be needed.
Reasoning
The 24.5mm rain on May 3rd would have deeply saturated the gritstone, and while four dry days with moderate wind and temperatures around 10–13°C have followed, average humidity of 79% over the drying window has slowed evaporation, meaning some internal moisture likely persists in thicker sections.
The S/W aspect and exposed hilltop position with consistent 17–22 km/h winds have provided above-average drying conditions, but the heavy saturation event typically requires 48–72+ hours of good drying, and conditions have been only moderate (cool temps, moderate-high humidity), placing us at the threshold.
Gritstone that appears surface-dry can still hold significant internal moisture after a 24.5mm soaking only four days ago, and climbing on such rock risks hold breakage and accelerated grain loss — particularly on the popular lower-tier problems.
Early May offers improving daylight and temperatures but overnight lows near 0.8°C on May 6th and morning humidity above 90% today indicate lingering cool, damp overnight conditions that slow the final stages of drying.
Contributing Factors
7
24.5mm on May 3rd was a significant soaking event that requires extended drying; four days is the minimum threshold for recovery from this volume.
No meaningful precipitation since May 3rd (only trace amounts on May 4th onward), providing a solid drying window.
Almscliff's exposed position and south/south-west facing rock maximise wind and solar drying, significantly faster than sheltered or north-facing crags.
Average humidity of 79% over the last seven days and overnight values above 85% slow evaporation and may cause overnight re-condensation on cold rock.
Overnight lows of 0.8–5.1°C over the drying period significantly reduce evaporation rates during roughly half of each 24-hour cycle.
Consistent winds of 17–22 km/h during daytime hours help strip moisture from the rock surface and accelerate drying.
3.8mm forecast for May 8th followed by further rain on subsequent days will reset drying progress and re-wet the rock.
Recommendations
3
- If climbing today, carefully inspect the rock surface — especially at the base of routes, in cracks, and on north-facing sections — and abandon if any dampness is found.
- Focus on the upper, south-facing walls of High Man which will have dried fastest; avoid Low Man's base and any sheltered or north-facing problems.
- With rain forecast from tomorrow through May 12th, today may be the best window for several days — but do not let this pressure you into climbing on suspect rock.
Previous Analyses
Marginal — Assess Conditions
60%
2 days ago
Almscliff has had three dry days since the heavy 24.5mm rainfall on May 3rd, with moderate winds and cool temperatures aiding drying on its exposed S/W aspects. However, the heavy soaking combined with cool temps (avg ~11°C) and moderate humidity means internal moisture may linger — 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.
- Almscliff's exposed hilltop position and S/W aspect are significant advantages for drying, but the 24.5mm deluge on May 3rd was substantial enough to deeply saturate the gritstone.
- The crag has two tiers (Low Man and High Man) — Low Man and base sections will retain moisture longer due to drainage from above; prioritise upper faces of High Man.
- Almscliff is on private land with permissive access — climbing on damp rock risks both route damage and the goodwill of the landowner, so err on the side of caution.
- Seepage lines and sheltered nooks between the two tiers are common moisture traps at Almscliff and may remain damp well after exposed faces have dried.
Warnings
2
- The 24.5mm soaking on May 3rd was heavy enough that internal moisture may persist despite a surface-dry appearance — do not rely on surface feel alone.
- Rain is forecast from tomorrow (May 7th) through May 11th, which will reset drying progress and make conditions unsuitable for the rest of the week.
Reasoning
The 24.5mm downpour on May 3rd would have deeply saturated the gritstone; three subsequent dry days with moderate wind and cool temperatures have allowed surface drying, but internal moisture is likely still present in thicker sections.
Three full dry days on an exposed S/W hilltop with winds of 16–24 km/h provide reasonable surface drying, but temperatures averaging only ~11°C and humidity around 75–85% limit evaporation rates — the 48–72+ hour guideline for heavy rain is only just being met.
With 24.5mm of rain only 72 hours ago, internal pore saturation likely remains above the threshold where significant strength loss occurs, posing a risk of hold breakage on stressed features.
Early May conditions are improving but spring weather remains unstable; the forecast shows further rain arriving tomorrow, which will re-wet the rock before full drying is achieved.
Contributing Factors
6
24.5mm fell on May 3rd, deeply saturating the porous gritstone and requiring extended drying time.
No meaningful precipitation since May 3rd, allowing surface evaporation to progress on the exposed hilltop.
The exposed position and south/south-westerly aspects maximise wind and solar drying, making Almscliff one of the faster-drying Yorkshire gritstone venues.
Average temps around 10°C and humidity of 71–85% over the drying period slow evaporation rates compared to warmer summer conditions.
Forecast shows 1.8mm tomorrow followed by further rain on May 8–11, meaning any remaining internal moisture will be topped up before full drying occurs.
40.2mm over the last 28 days with frequent light rain events means the rock has had little opportunity to fully dry out this spring.
Recommendations
3
- If visiting today, carefully inspect the rock surface — especially lower sections, cracks, and seepage lines — and only climb if genuinely dry to the touch; avoid any features showing darkened or damp patches.
- Prioritise the upper exposed faces of High Man on the south/west side, which will have dried fastest; avoid Low Man and sheltered alcoves.
- Consider waiting for a longer dry spell — the forecast shows rain returning tomorrow through May 11th, so today may be the only marginal window for over a week.
Do Not Climb
45%
3 days ago
A heavy 24.5mm rainfall on May 3rd means the gritstone has had only about 2 dry days to recover, which is insufficient given the moderate temperatures and high humidity that followed. While the exposed hilltop position and south/west aspect help, the sheer volume of rain and the cool, cloudy conditions since mean internal moisture is likely still present.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's hilltop exposure to wind is a significant drying advantage, but the 24.5mm deluge on May 3rd is the heaviest single-day rainfall in the entire 28-day window and demands extra caution.
- The Low Man tier and north-facing sections of High Man will retain moisture longer than the prominent south/west-facing walls; base-level problems and crack lines are most likely to still be seeping.
- May 4th saw very high overnight humidity (96–100%) and light winds through the morning, which would have stalled early drying progress significantly despite the afternoon improvement.
- Access is on private land — climbing on damp rock here risks not only route damage but also the goodwill of the landowner that permits access.
Warnings
2
- 24.5mm of rain only 2 days ago on porous gritstone means internal moisture is very likely still present — surface dryness is not a reliable indicator.
- Climbing on damp gritstone at Almscliff risks permanent hold damage and could jeopardise the private access arrangement.
Reasoning
24.5mm of rain fell on May 3rd followed by only ~36 hours of dry weather with high humidity (85% average on May 4th), meaning the porous gritstone is very likely still holding significant internal moisture despite possible surface drying.
The exposed hilltop and south/west aspect are favourable, but May 4th had near-saturation humidity overnight and light winds until afternoon, and today (May 5th) is cool (11°C max) with northerly winds that won't warm the south-facing rock efficiently — effective drying time has been limited.
With 24.5mm absorbed only two days ago, the rock is likely above the critical moisture threshold where significant compressive strength loss occurs, posing real risk of hold breakage on the gritstone.
Spring conditions with moderate temperatures (10–13°C) are adequate for eventual drying, but the cool spell following the rain and overnight temperatures near freezing (0.8°C forecast tonight) slow recovery and introduce minor freeze-thaw concern for any remaining saturated rock.
Contributing Factors
7
24.5mm fell on May 3rd — well above the 10mm threshold that demands 48–72+ hours of good drying conditions, and only ~48 hours have elapsed so far under suboptimal conditions.
Only about 2 consecutive dry days since the heavy rain, with high humidity on May 4th (85% average) and cool temperatures significantly reducing effective drying hours.
Almscliff's fully exposed hilltop setting means consistent wind exposure, which is the single best drying accelerant and partially compensates for the short drying window.
The favourable aspect receives good solar radiation for spring drying, though today's heavy cloud cover and northerly winds reduce this benefit.
May 4th saw 91–100% humidity overnight into the morning, effectively halting evaporation for at least 12 hours during the critical early drying period.
Average temperatures of ~10°C over the drying period and a forecast overnight low of 0.8°C tonight slow evaporation rates compared to warmer spring days.
No rain is forecast for the next 5+ days with decreasing humidity, meaning conditions will steadily improve from tomorrow onward.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least one more full dry day — conditions should be much more favourable from May 7th onward when humidity drops below 65% and temperatures rise.
- If visiting today or tomorrow, check the base of the crag and crack lines carefully: if the ground beneath the rock is damp or cracks are weeping, do not climb.
- Focus any early return visits on the upper, south-facing walls of High Man which will dry fastest; avoid Low Man, north-facing sections, and crack-dependent routes until at least May 7th.
Do Not Climb
92%
4 days ago
Almscliff received 24.5mm of heavy rain yesterday (May 3rd) in near-saturated conditions, and the rock will be thoroughly soaked. Despite improving weather today, less than 24 hours of drying — much of it in high humidity — is wholly insufficient for gritstone that absorbed this much water.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's compact hilltop position and S/W aspect give it above-average drying potential, but the sheer volume of yesterday's rain (24.5mm over many hours) means even exposed faces will be saturated internally.
- Low Man's lower tier and any north-facing sections will retain moisture significantly longer than the exposed upper faces of High Man.
- The crag saw repeated light rain events throughout mid-April (cumulative ~10mm between Apr 9–18) before a drier spell, meaning the rock entered yesterday's deluge with some residual moisture already present.
- Almscliff is on private land — climbing on wet gritstone risks both permanent route damage and jeopardising the access arrangement with the landowner.
Warnings
3
- Climbing on saturated gritstone causes permanent, irreversible damage to holds and route surfaces — Almscliff's routes are irreplaceable.
- Almscliff is on private land; irresponsible climbing when wet risks losing access for the entire climbing community.
- The rock surface may appear dry before the interior has adequately dried — do not be deceived by surface appearance alone.
Reasoning
The rock received 24.5mm of rain over ~14 hours yesterday in near-100% humidity conditions, meaning the gritstone will be saturated well beyond the surface — internal pore saturation will be very high.
Only ~12 hours have elapsed since significant rain ceased, and overnight humidity was 97–99% with light winds, meaning virtually no drying has occurred; even this afternoon's improving conditions (humidity dropping to ~63%, light winds) provide only a few hours of marginal drying.
At near-full saturation, gritstone loses 30%+ of its compressive strength, and climbing today would risk hold breakage and accelerated erosion on this irreplaceable crag.
Early May temperatures are moderate (~10–14°C) which aids drying somewhat, but the overnight frost risk (min -0.6°C forecast May 7th) and recent cool spell mean drying is slower than summer conditions would allow.
Contributing Factors
7
24.5mm fell on May 3rd over an extended period (~14 hours of continuous precipitation), thoroughly saturating the gritstone.
Less than 24 hours since heavy rain ended, with overnight conditions near 100% humidity providing essentially zero drying.
Humidity remained at 97–99% through the night and into the morning, preventing any evaporative drying from the rock surface.
Humidity drops to ~63% by late afternoon with some cloud breaks, beginning the drying process, but this is far too little time for meaningful internal drying.
Almscliff's exposed position normally aids drying, though winds today are light (5–15 km/h) and predominantly NW, reducing the benefit.
The 7-day precipitation total of 25.8mm (dominated by yesterday's event) and average humidity of 77% mean the rock entered yesterday's rain already carrying some residual moisture.
South and west-facing aspects will catch afternoon sun if clouds break, helping surface drying, but interior saturation will persist well beyond today.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Almscliff today — the gritstone is saturated after yesterday's 24.5mm deluge and needs at minimum 48–72 hours of dry weather to be safe.
- The earliest realistic window for climbing is May 6th or 7th, provided the forecast 2.9mm on May 5th is light and drying conditions hold.
- If visiting later this week, check the base of the crag — if the ground is still damp, the rock is certainly still too wet internally.
Do Not Climb
97%
4 days ago
Almscliff has received 24.4mm of heavy rain today with 96% humidity — the rock will be thoroughly saturated. With gritstone's rapid water absorption and significant strength loss even at low saturation levels, climbing today is completely out of the question.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's hilltop position is exposed to wind from most directions, which will aid drying once the rain stops, but today's NE wind means the S/W faces are somewhat sheltered from the airflow.
- The two-tier structure (Low Man and High Man) means the base of High Man and top of Low Man can trap moisture in the gap between tiers, with seepage persisting longer in sheltered recesses.
- The crag sits on private land — climbing on wet rock risks both permanent route damage and the goodwill of the landowner that permits access.
- Recent weeks have seen frequent light rain events (Apr 11–18) interspersed with dry spells; today's 24.4mm deluge on top of yesterday's 1.1mm means the rock has had little chance to fully dry out before being re-saturated.
Warnings
3
- 24.4mm of rain today has fully saturated the gritstone — climbing now risks permanent hold breakage and route damage.
- The rock surface may appear to dry before the interior does; do not be deceived by a surface that looks dry tomorrow.
- Access to Almscliff is on private land; climbing on wet rock jeopardises continued access for everyone.
Reasoning
Today's 24.4mm of rain at 96% humidity will have fully saturated the gritstone to near-maximum capacity, with the wetting front having penetrated deeply through the porous rock.
Drying has not begun — rain is still falling or only just stopped today, and the NE wind direction provides limited drying benefit to the S/W-facing aspects; at least 48–72 hours of dry, breezy weather is needed.
At full saturation the gritstone could have lost 30–50% of its compressive strength, making hold breakage and grain loosening a serious risk on any route.
Early May temperatures are moderate (10–17°C forecast) which supports reasonable drying rates, but the preceding weeks have been persistently damp with cumulative rainfall keeping background moisture levels elevated.
Contributing Factors
6
24.4mm of rainfall today is by far the heaviest single-day total in the past month, thoroughly saturating the gritstone.
At 96% humidity there is essentially no evaporative drying occurring from the rock surface.
25.8mm in the last 7 days and 42.4mm over 28 days means the rock has had persistently elevated background moisture levels.
Today's NE wind direction means the main S/W climbing faces are leeward and receive reduced airflow for drying.
Almscliff's exposed hilltop setting will help accelerate drying once conditions improve, as wind reaches the crag from most quarters.
The next 6 days forecast only 0.7mm of precipitation, providing a good drying window from tomorrow onwards.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock is saturated and conditions are clearly unsafe for gritstone.
- Wait a minimum of 48–72 hours (until May 5–6 at the earliest) before considering a visit, and check that the ground at the base of the crag is bone dry.
- When you do visit, test holds carefully and check sheltered recesses and the gap between Low Man and High Man for lingering dampness.
Do Not Climb
95%
4 days ago
Almscliff received nearly 26mm of rain today with 96% humidity — the rock is thoroughly saturated and climbing would risk permanent damage to this irreplaceable gritstone. Even with the exposed hilltop position, several days of dry weather are needed before conditions become suitable.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's compact two-tier structure (Low Man and High Man) means water pools and seeps between the tiers, with the lower tier staying wetter for longer as drainage from High Man feeds moisture downward.
- The exposed hilltop position and S/W aspect are normally an advantage for drying, but today's NE wind direction means the favourable south-facing aspects are sheltered from the wind, slowing evaporation on those faces.
- Access to Almscliff is on private land by permission — climbing on wet gritstone risks both route damage and potential access withdrawal if landowners see irresponsible behaviour.
- The horizontal breaks and crack systems typical of Almscliff act as moisture reservoirs, holding water internally long after surfaces appear dry, particularly on popular routes like Wall of Horrors and Great Western.
Warnings
2
- 25.9mm of rain today means the gritstone is deeply saturated — climbing now would cause irreversible structural damage to holds and routes.
- The rock surface may appear dry before the interior has actually dried; do not be fooled by superficial drying over the next day or two.
Reasoning
With 25.9mm of rain today at 96% humidity, the gritstone is fully saturated throughout — well above the critical ~1% saturation level at which significant strength loss begins, and likely near the 87-90% saturation ceiling.
Drying has not yet begun in any meaningful sense; today's soaking will require at minimum 48-72 hours of dry weather to clear, and the forecast NE winds tomorrow at 83% humidity will provide only modest drying on the S/W-facing aspects.
At full saturation the gritstone has lost 10-50% of its compressive strength, making hold breakage a serious risk on any route — grain loosening and cement dissolution are actively occurring right now.
Spring conditions in late April/early May had been improving with a good dry spell from April 19-May 1, but today's heavy rain has reset the moisture clock entirely; overnight lows near freezing earlier in the period are no longer a concern but the saturated state is the dominant issue.
Contributing Factors
6
25.9mm of rain today has thoroughly saturated the gritstone, representing the heaviest single-day rainfall in the entire 28-day record.
96% humidity means virtually no evaporative drying is occurring, keeping the rock at maximum saturation.
With rain falling today, the consecutive dry-day count is zero — far short of the minimum 48-72 hours needed after heavy rain on porous gritstone.
The NE wind direction today and tomorrow means Almscliff's south and west-facing aspects are leeward and receive less wind-assisted drying.
Almscliff's exposed hilltop setting will aid drying once conditions improve, but this advantage is irrelevant while rain is still falling and humidity is near saturation.
From May 5 onwards, humidity drops to 50-71% with no significant rain forecast, which will progressively dry the rock over the coming days.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Almscliff today — the rock is fully saturated and any climbing risks permanent hold damage and personal injury.
- Wait for at least 48-72 hours of dry weather with dropping humidity before considering a visit; the earliest realistic window is May 6 onwards.
- When you do visit, check the base of the crag and horizontal breaks for residual moisture — if the ground is damp or cracks are weeping, the rock is still too wet internally.
Do Not Climb
95%
4 days ago
Almscliff received 25.8mm of heavy rain today with 97% humidity — the rock will be thoroughly saturated. Even with the crag's exposed hilltop position and favourable S/W aspect, gritstone needs a minimum of 48–72 hours of dry weather after this volume of rain before it can be considered safe to climb.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's compact two-tier layout (Low Man and High Man) means that drainage from the upper tier can keep lower sections damp for longer than the hilltop exposure might suggest.
- The crag sits on private land where access is a privilege — climbing on wet gritstone here risks both permanent rock damage and potential access restrictions from the landowner.
- The exposed hilltop position catches wind well and the S/W aspect will aid drying, but today's 25.8mm is the heaviest single-day rainfall in the past month and will have deeply penetrated the porous gritstone.
- Seepage lines and horizontal breaks common on Almscliff's walls can hold moisture for days after heavy rain, even when main faces appear surface-dry.
Warnings
3
- 25.8mm of rain today has thoroughly saturated the gritstone — climbing now risks irreversible hold breakage and permanent route damage.
- The surface may appear dry before the interior has recovered; do not trust surface appearance alone over the next 2–3 days.
- Access to Almscliff is on private land — irresponsible climbing on wet rock could jeopardise access for the entire climbing community.
Reasoning
With 25.8mm falling today at 97% humidity, the gritstone will be fully saturated to depth — capillary suction means the wetting front will have advanced through the entire rock mass within hours.
Drying has not yet begun in any meaningful sense; tomorrow's forecast of 83% humidity and light NE winds (which won't hit the S/W faces directly) means the first 24 hours of drying will be slow, with substantive drying not expected until May 5–6 when humidity drops to 60–71% with moderate winds.
At current saturation levels, gritstone compressive strength is reduced by 10–50% and holds are at serious risk of breakage — climbing today or tomorrow would risk permanent damage to this irreplaceable Yorkshire venue.
Spring conditions in late April/early May are generally improving, but this heavy rain event resets the drying clock; overnight lows near 3–5°C over the coming days will slow evaporation, though freeze-thaw risk is minimal at these temperatures.
Contributing Factors
7
25.8mm of rain today is a significant soaking event that will have saturated the gritstone to depth, requiring 48–72+ hours of dry weather to recover.
97% humidity means virtually no evaporative drying is occurring today, so saturation will persist through the evening and overnight.
27.2mm in the last 7 days (including today's deluge) and 43.8mm over 28 days means the rock has had limited opportunity to fully dry out before this latest soaking.
Almscliff's exposed position means it will benefit from wind-assisted drying once conditions improve, accelerating recovery compared to sheltered crags.
South and west-facing aspects will receive good solar radiation during afternoon hours, helping surface drying from tomorrow onwards.
From May 5 onwards, humidity drops to 50–71% with dry conditions forecast, which should allow progressive drying of the rock.
May 4 forecast shows 83% humidity with light NE winds that won't directly benefit the S/W faces, meaning the first full day of drying will be slow.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Almscliff today or tomorrow — the rock is saturated and climbing risks permanent hold damage and personal injury.
- Wait until at least May 6 before visiting, and visually assess conditions on arrival — check that the ground at the base of the crag is sandy-dry before committing to climb.
- If visiting mid-week, prioritise upper sections of High Man which will dry fastest; avoid lower tier routes and any sections with visible seepage or dark patches.
Do Not Climb
55%
5 days ago
Although Almscliff had a good dry spell from April 19–May 1, today's 0.8mm rain and very high humidity have interrupted drying, and tomorrow brings a severe 30.9mm deluge that will thoroughly saturate the rock. Current conditions are marginal at best, and the outlook for the coming week is poor.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's exposed hilltop position and S/W aspect normally aid rapid drying, but the NE winds forecast for the coming days will not effectively dry the south and west faces.
- The crag's two-tier structure (Low Man and High Man) means the base of High Man and sheltered areas between the tiers can hold seepage and moisture longer than the exposed tops.
- Access is on private land and contingent on good behaviour — climbing on damp gritstone risks both rock damage and the goodwill of the landowner, which could jeopardise access for all.
- The persistent drizzle pattern through mid-April (multiple small rain events) means the rock's internal moisture levels may be higher than the recent dry spell alone would suggest.
Warnings
3
- A 30.9mm storm is forecast for May 3 — this will fully saturate the gritstone and require extended drying time.
- Climbing on wet or damp gritstone causes permanent, irreversible damage to holds and routes — Almscliff's classic problems are irreplaceable.
- Access is on private land; irresponsible behaviour (including climbing on damp rock) could result in access being withdrawn.
Reasoning
The extended dry spell from April 19–May 1 (largely dry with only trace precipitation) would have substantially dried the rock, but today's 0.8mm rain and 77% humidity have re-wetted the surface, and the rock is no longer in a confidently dry state.
The S/W aspect and exposed position would normally allow rapid drying from today's light rain, but the moderate westerly wind at only 16.2 km/h and elevated humidity (77%) limit drying efficiency, and any progress will be obliterated by tomorrow's 30.9mm storm.
Gritstone is highly susceptible to strength loss when wet — even today's light wetting poses some risk, and the imminent heavy rain will fully saturate the rock, making hold breakage and grain loosening a serious concern for several days.
Early May in Yorkshire offers reasonable temperatures (10–17°C) for drying, but the forecast wet and cool spell with NE winds will significantly slow recovery after tomorrow's heavy rain.
Contributing Factors
6
0.8mm of rain today with 77% humidity has re-wetted the rock surface, interrupting an otherwise good drying period.
Approximately 10 days of largely dry weather (April 19–May 1) with warm temperatures up to 21°C would have dried the rock substantially before today.
A forecast 30.9mm deluge on May 3 will fully saturate the rock and reset any drying progress, making conditions unsafe for several days.
Almscliff's exposed position at 270m normally promotes rapid drying through wind action, though this advantage is diminished with NE winds on the S/W faces.
Forecast humidity of 74–90% and temperatures around 10–14°C through the coming week will significantly slow post-rain drying.
Additional rain on May 5 (5.4mm) and May 6 (10.2mm) will prevent the rock from drying after the May 3 deluge, extending unsuitable conditions.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — while the rock had been drying well, today's rain and the imminent storm make it irresponsible to risk gritstone damage.
- After the May 3 storm, allow at minimum 48–72 hours of dry weather before considering a return; realistically the earliest possible window is May 8 onwards.
- Check the base of the crag for moisture before committing — if the ground around the boulders is damp, the rock is certainly still wet internally.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
60%
6 days ago
Almscliff has had a largely dry spell from April 19–30 with only trace precipitation, which should have allowed good drying of the gritstone. However, today's 0.7mm of rain breaks the dry streak, and with moderate humidity (72%) the surface may have re-wetted slightly — a visual check on arrival is warranted before committing to climb.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's exposed hilltop position and S/W aspect mean it benefits from excellent wind and solar drying, making it one of the faster-drying gritstone venues in Yorkshire.
- The crag's two-tier structure (Low Man and High Man) means the base of High Man and any north-facing recesses will retain moisture longer than the prominent south-facing walls.
- Today's 0.7mm rain fell on rock that had been drying for over 10 days with only trace moisture — the wetting will be shallow and should dry quickly on exposed faces, but check sheltered corners and horizontal breaks.
- Almscliff is on private land with permissive access — climbing on damp rock risks both permanent gritstone damage and potential access restrictions from the landowner.
Warnings
2
- Do not climb on any visibly damp or darkened rock — even slight moisture causes significant gritstone strength loss and risks permanent hold damage.
- Heavy rain (14.2mm) is forecast for May 3; do not climb on May 3 or for at least 48–72 hours afterwards depending on drying conditions.
Reasoning
After an extended dry period from April 19–30 (only 0.4mm total over 12 days), the rock interior should be well dried, but today's 0.7mm light rain will have re-wetted surface layers, particularly in sheltered areas and horizontal features.
The SW aspect and exposed hilltop position with 20.5 km/h SW wind today, combined with a warm 20.7°C max temperature, should drive rapid surface drying of today's light rain within hours on exposed faces, though recesses may take longer.
The preceding 10+ day dry spell means internal moisture levels should be low, so structural risk from today's light wetting is minimal on exposed faces, though any seepage zones or sheltered areas that accumulated moisture during the mid-April wet period could still be marginal.
Early May brings improving conditions with longer days and stronger solar radiation, though overnight temperatures are still dropping near freezing (2.0°C min today, -0.8°C on April 24), meaning any residual internal moisture could undergo freeze-thaw cycling.
Contributing Factors
6
From April 19 to April 30 (12 days), only 0.4mm of trace precipitation fell, allowing deep drying of the gritstone after the wetter mid-April period.
Today's 0.7mm breaks the dry streak and will have re-wetted the rock surface, though penetration into well-dried rock should be shallow.
Today's 20.7°C maximum and 20.5 km/h SW wind on an exposed S/W-facing crag provide excellent surface evaporation conditions.
Humidity at 72% is moderate — not ideal for rapid drying but not a significant impediment on an exposed, wind-swept hilltop.
A significant 14.2mm rainfall event is forecast for May 3, which will thoroughly saturate the rock and require 48–72+ hours of subsequent drying.
Almscliff's fully exposed hilltop position with S/W aspect maximises solar gain and wind exposure, making it one of the fastest-drying gritstone crags in the area.
Recommendations
3
- Visit this afternoon if possible — the warm SW wind and sun should have dried today's light rain from exposed faces by mid-afternoon; perform a thorough touch test on the rock and check that the ground at the crag base is dry before climbing.
- Focus on the prominent south and west-facing walls of High Man which will have dried fastest; avoid sheltered recesses, horizontal breaks, and any areas with visible dampness or darkened rock.
- Plan any weekend climbing for tomorrow (May 2) as the heavy 14.2mm rain forecast for May 3 will render the crag unsafe for several days afterwards.
Likely Safe to Climb
82%
9 days ago
Almscliff has had an extended dry spell with negligible precipitation since April 19th (only 0.3mm of trace moisture in 10 days), and the exposed hilltop position with S/W aspect should have allowed thorough drying. Conditions today look genuinely dry, though the overnight humidity was high and the NE wind direction is less favourable for the S/W facing rock — an early-morning visit may find residual surface dampness that should clear quickly.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Almscliff's compact hilltop position means it catches wind from all directions, but the current NE airflow is blowing onto the back of the S/W-facing rock rather than across the climbing faces, slightly reducing drying efficiency on those aspects.
- Low Man's lower tier and north-facing recesses can hold moisture longer than the main High Man faces — check these areas carefully, especially any moss-covered sections at the base.
- The crag sits on private land with permissive access; climbing on damp rock risks both route damage and access withdrawal, so the ethical bar here is especially high.
- April has been a persistently damp month overall (19.9mm across 28 days in frequent small doses), meaning the rock has experienced repeated wetting cycles — but the 10-day dry window since the last significant rain (April 18) is reassuring for an exposed gritstone crag.
Reasoning
The last meaningful rain was 0.9mm on April 18th, over 10 days ago, with only trace amounts (0.1–0.2mm) since — this extended dry period, combined with moderate temperatures and wind, means the rock should be thoroughly dried internally.
Ten consecutive days of essentially dry weather with temperatures regularly reaching 11–17°C and moderate wind exposure on an exposed hilltop with S/W aspect provides far more drying time than the 48–72 hours typically required after light rain.
With such an extended dry period, internal moisture levels should be well below the threshold for structural concern; the gritstone should have regained full compressive strength.
Mid-spring conditions are favourable with increasing day length and solar angle providing good radiation on the S/W faces; overnight frost risk is minimal but the -0.8°C minimum on April 24th suggests monitoring — no freeze-thaw concern given the rock should be dry.
Contributing Factors
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Over 10 days since any meaningful rainfall (0.9mm on April 18), with only 0.3mm of trace moisture in the intervening period — far exceeding the 48–72 hour minimum drying guideline.
Almscliff's fully exposed hilltop setting ensures consistent airflow across the rock, significantly accelerating evaporation even when wind direction is not optimal.
South and west-facing rock receives strong solar radiation through the lengthening April days, promoting thorough drying of the climbing surfaces.
Average temperatures around 10–14°C over the past week provide reasonable evaporative conditions, well above the 5°C threshold where drying slows dramatically.
Overnight humidity reached 93–95% with temperatures dropping to ~4°C, which could produce light surface condensation on the rock that will need morning sun or wind to clear.
The 19.9mm across April came in many small doses rather than one heavy event, but the 10-day dry window is sufficient to offset any cumulative saturation concerns.
The NE wind today blows onto the back of the S/W-facing crag rather than across the main climbing faces, but the exposed hilltop still allows good air circulation overall.
Recommendations
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- Visit from late morning onwards to allow any overnight condensation to clear from the rock faces — the morning sun and wind should deal with this quickly.
- Check the base of routes and any mossy or recessed sections on Low Man carefully; if these feel damp, the main faces may still have residual surface moisture.
- Respect the private land access by minimising chalk use, brushing holds after your session, and avoiding any routes that feel at all greasy or damp.
Climbing Outlook