Which weather condition increases risk due to reduced friction and control?

• A. Wet or icy rock reduces friction.
• B. High humidity
• C. Bright sun
• D. Light breeze

Answer: (A)

Friction between your hands/feet and the rock is what keeps you in control. When the rock is wet or icy, that friction drops dramatically, making holds feel slick and your feet more likely to slip. With less grip, precise placement and controlled movements become harder, so the risk of a fall rises.

High humidity can make things damp but doesn’t change the rock’s surface friction as directly. Bright sun can cause glare or heat stress but doesn’t inherently reduce friction. A light breeze doesn’t meaningfully affect grip at the rock surface. So the condition that truly increases risk by reducing friction and control is wet or icy rock.