⚠ Some gauges aren't reporting
1 of 5 gauges near Horsetooth isn't reporting right now. The verdict uses the ones that are.
Not reporting (1)
- PONDS AT OVERLAND DETENTION NEAR FORT COLLINS 3SW (OVTC2, last report 9 h ago)
Why
- HORSETOOTH RESERVOIR NEAR FT COLLINS 5WNW (HRSC2, 1.5 mi): 0.01 in in the last 72 h, ending 3 h ago. Wet window is 48 h.
- 3 other gauges recorded no measurable rain.
- 1 other gauge ignored (too far or not reporting).
- Rain chance peaks at 18% in the next 12 h.
Rain gauges
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0.00 in
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0.00 in
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0.00 in
Bars show hourly rain over the last 72 h. Tap a gauge to see its full record on MesoWest.
Local guidance
Community ethic Dakota sandstone is fragile and porous, especially after rain; holds climbed wet can be damaged for good. Wait until the rock and the ground are dry. Fall 2026: Larimer County closed the Rotary Park lot from Sept. 28 for about five weeks; use the Sunrise or Skyline lots. Access Fund: assessing sandstone after rain ↗
- Rock Dakota Sandstone
- Group Fragile when wet: red for 48 h after rain, caution to 72 h (96 h in winter)
Horsetooth Reservoir on Mountain Project ↗Northern Colorado Climbers Coalition ↗
Check the rock yourself
Rain gauges measure rain, not rock moisture. Sandstone is weak when wet and holds water long after the surface looks dry, especially on shaded or seepy faces. If the ground is damp, the rock is too.
Is it actually dry?
Field checks before you tie in
- Is the sand at the base dry? It dries before the rock does; damp sand means wet rock.
- Are the trail and the ground at the cliff base dry? If not, don't climb.
- Look for dark damp patches, moisture behind flakes and inside cracks, and fresh sand on holds.
- Shaded walls, spots under trees and grooves that channel water stay wet much longer.
- Sun and wind dry rock fast; cloudy, calm, humid days slow it down, and winter drying is slow.
- After long, soaking rain the rock can stay wet inches deep. Give it extra time.
- If any part of the route, base included, is wet, pick another climb.
- Not sure? Climb rock that isn't affected by rain, like limestone or granite, until it dries.
Thank you
- Northern Colorado Climbers Coalition
For trails, access and stewardship at Horsetooth and northern Colorado crags.
- Access Fund
For keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment across the country.
Access Fund is the national climbing advocacy nonprofit. It works alongside local climbing organizations, like the coalitions thanked on each area page, on access, stewardship and education, including how long to wait after rain.
- Weather data
Rain gauges via Synoptic Data (MesoWest) from public and private weather networks. Forecasts from the National Weather Service. Model estimates from Open-Meteo when gauges go quiet.