Rainfall at Hueco Tanks State Park
Climbing and bouldering activity closures are imposed when the park receives:
0.10 inches or more of rain.
Snow events where precipitation is “sticking” to the rocks.
Overnight freezing of precipitation.
Park Staff will determine if closures need to be extended based on weather and resource conditions.
Anyone participating in climbing and bouldering activities while a closure is in place will be asked to surrender their orientation card and leave the park.
(View the park's policy page: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/hueco-tanks/weather-closure-policy)
Rainfall could be your downfall—don't climb on wet rock.
Hueco Tanks rock is porphyritic syenite which formed over 35 million years ago. The porous rock remains wet after it precipitates and is prone to breakage until it fully dries.
Climbing at Hueco Tanks after the rain or snow is a no go
Wait until the rock fully dries.
Depending on the amount of rain and/or snow, temperatures, cloud cover, etc, dry times may vary between 24 and 72 hours.
After it rains or snows, the integrity of Hueco's rock is compromised.
Sometimes rain and/or snow is slow to evaporate and moisture remains trapped in the rock.
This moisture makes the rock fragile and prone to break.
Classic problems have been lost due to wet rock breaking.
Climbers have been severely injured from falls caused by broken holds.