Other areas and particular climbs do not present this option. Retreat off of a spire or cliff usually takes more time than one thinks. So, if your guide is not comfortable with the current conditions, even ten feet from the summit of Devils Tower, they might decide to retreat. It's better to watch it rain, being warm and dry, than to be in it and rappelling down wet ropes and in big hail. Believe us, we've been there.
Hail can be very short-lived but is usually associated with rain and a drop in temperature.
These are not good circumstances and could bring on a serious case of hypothermia for unskilled, unprepared climbers. Since most formations are spires, they can act just like lightning rods. Luckily, thunder often warns of suspect clouds in the area, sometimes giving a few extra minutes time to retreat. We hope you have excellent weather when climbing with us. Here are some links that will take you to current weather updates and forecasts for the Black Hills and Devils Tower climbing areas.