Is March too wet or cold for climbing at RRG?

[Marc Bourdon]

Hello Red River Gorge Locals,

I am considering a two-week climbing trip to the Red with my wife and baby daughter mid-March, 2007. I've been to the Red five times over the years, always in October, and I'm wondering if local knowledge says that mid-March is too risky for precipitation and/or cold. I've consulted the U of K weather data and it looks colder AND wetter than October or even November.

We would stay indoors, so that's not an issue, but caves soaked with condensation and/or freezing finger tips are. Anybody have personal experiences/advice to share?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Marc

[KD]

its hit or miss really. march isn't too bad a time to come climb here - miguel is open n it's not hot and buggy there eiher. definately drier than pacific northwest

[ewaaser]

Hard to predict. Can be dry and warm or cold and rainy. Likely to be wetter than in October, though. Compared to a lot of other places in March, though, it's a pretty good choice!!

[flashmaster]

if your gonna be down for 2 weeks your bound to have a good amount of decent days. I've had snow, I've had 75 dagree days. Just bring clothes for every type of weather you can imagine and you'll be fine. The only other downfall to mid-late march is the drunk douch bag college students on spring break but your staying in a warm place which means not Miggies so no need to worry about that.

[endercore]

If your here for 2 weeks you are sure to have a few good climbing days. I'd say come on down, it's not the best choice for climbing, but it certainly isn't the worst. I'd take 2 weeks in the gorge in march over 2 weeks in August any day!! Don't expect to get out everyday, but you will still have a good time.

[Feanor007]

march is fun, there is so much stuff you could find something climable nearly every day

[Ascentionist]

It's very unpredictable. I've lived here all my life and I would not give you yea or nay. You take your chances in spring here.

[Huggybone]

I think, If I were coming from far away, and had a wife and child that were particular about the weather, I'd go further south. If they are troopers, the red will be good.

[Marc Bourdon]

Thanks for all the input everybody! It sounds do-able, but a bit of a gamble - no surprise there...

Another question - Would the Obed or Little River Gorge be better choices (warmer and/or drier) for a two week mid-March sport climbing trip?

Marc

[Ascentionist]

I would imagine the Obed is similar to the RRG in climate and predictability.

Don't know about Little River.