Rock is likely wet

Why

• MIDDLE FORK KENTUCKY RIVER AT TALLEGA (TLLK2, 9.7 mi): 0.01 in in the last 48 h, ending 6 h ago. Wet window is 24 h.
• 2 other gauges recorded no measurable rain.
• Rain chance peaks at 0% in the next 12 h.

Rain gauges

Bars show hourly rain over the last 48 h. Tap a gauge to see its full record on MesoWest.

Local guidance

Community ethic The Corbin sandstone is much harder than desert sandstone, and locals often climb steep, sheltered walls that stay dry in the rain. Skip wet or seeping holds and cracks, which stay wet longest.

• Rock Corbin Sandstone
• Group Hard sandstone: red for 24 h after rain, caution to 48 h (72 h in winter)

Red River Gorge on Mountain Project ↗Red River Gorge Climbers' Coalition ↗Muir Valley ↗

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

• Red River Gorge Climbers' Coalition

  For buying and protecting climbing land in the Red and keeping it open to climbers.

  Facebook ↗Instagram ↗

• Muir Valley

  For keeping Muir Valley's climbing open to the public.

  Facebook ↗

• 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.

  How to assess sandstone 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.