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the shizzle => bouldering => Topic started by: Ross Barker on October 22, 2021, 01:09:41 pm

Title: How Windy is Too Windy?
Post by: Ross Barker on October 22, 2021, 01:09:41 pm: We've all been there. Half-way up a problem, about to have a pop at the crux move and suddenly you can hear your pads flying away down the hill. If you've got a spotter with you it's not such a problem, but when out on your own the best you can do is pick a sheltered problem and time your goes with a lull in wind speed.

Looking at the forecast for tomorrow, a mean of 15-20mph with gusts around 25-30mph, from SSW, is that asking for trouble at an exposed crag?

In my particular circumstance I'm debating a solo hit at Birchen - but the last thing I want is the pads fucking off while whaling up Gritstone Megamix!
Title: Re: How Windy is Too Windy?
Post by: Bradders on October 22, 2021, 01:21:51 pm: Depends if those gusts actually materialise, and how exposed Birchen is (I've never been). Reckon you'd be okay though. Generally over 30 is when I'd think it was a bit much.

Also, take tent pegs or a ground screw, or worst case weigh them down with a rock or two.
Title: Re: How Windy is Too Windy?
Post by: Fiend on October 22, 2021, 01:33:40 pm: The base of Birchens in that area is a bit more sheltered than the average Eastern grit crag - a gentler angled hill leading up to the crag and a few trees around.
Title: Re: How Windy is Too Windy?
Post by: mrjonathanr on October 22, 2021, 01:43:24 pm: You could buy some tent pegs.
Title: Re: How Windy is Too Windy?
Post by: Ross Barker on October 22, 2021, 01:49:05 pm: Cheers for the info, seems like Birchen should be a relatively safe bet. Tent peg is a good shout, assuming the ground will accept them!
Title: Re: How Windy is Too Windy?
Post by: mr chaz on October 22, 2021, 02:15:50 pm: Quote from: Ross Barker on October 22, 2021, 01:49:05 pm
assuming the ground will accept them!

Hear, hear. Accepting the challenge of the landing on its own terms. Only light hammering of those pegs please.
;)
Title: Re: How Windy is Too Windy?
Post by: lagerstarfish on October 22, 2021, 02:39:08 pm: you can always take an old rucksack and fill it with rocks
Title: Re: How Windy is Too Windy?
Post by: Ross Barker on October 22, 2021, 02:57:47 pm: Quote from: mr chaz on October 22, 2021, 02:15:50 pm
Hear, hear. Accepting the challenge of the landing on its own terms. Only light hammering of those pegs please.
;)

Would it be ethically dubious to permanently cement my pads onto the ground?
Title: Re: How Windy is Too Windy?
Post by: mr chaz on October 22, 2021, 03:05:02 pm: Depends. If that cement has a life of ~ 20 years before turning to a pile of crumbs, then I see no problem
Title: Re: How Windy is Too Windy?
Post by: deacon on October 23, 2021, 08:11:01 am: Go to Birchen and if it's too windy, get yourself into Stump Hole Cavern. There'll be no wind down there 🙂
Title: Re: How Windy is Too Windy?
Post by: nai on October 23, 2021, 08:59:07 am: From memory Gritsone Megamix isn't one for a solo mission, maybe it was a high fear day but I recall thinking you'd want quite a bit of pad coverage, stacked in places, plus a spotter or two to make it safe. Also pretty conditions dependent I think.
Title: Re: How Windy is Too Windy?
Post by: Mullett24k on November 26, 2021, 10:51:11 pm: What are people thinking about the snow situation in the peak tomorrow? too wet or just right ?
Title: Re: How Windy is Too Windy?
Post by: danm on November 26, 2021, 11:56:14 pm: Biggest issue looks like whether it'll stop snowing before dark, plus in that wind it'll be fucking baltic unless well sheltered. Sunday looks a much better bet?
Title: Re: How Windy is Too Windy?
Post by: Mullett24k on November 27, 2021, 10:02:10 am: Not too hopeful i'll be able to get out now :lol: going to try