Hi all.
Have been wondering whether to post something about this since our trip and have finally decided it might save someone some bother...
On 9/3/2008, Darfar P.C. went down Knotlow intending to do the round trip via Crimbo Pipe and East Level. Water levels were higher than normal so I was prepared to turn around if things became too aqueous! Anyway, part way along Crimbo Pipe, (prob. just before the waterfall), where it pops out into the base of a rift, the way on at stream level was found to be blocked with boulders sufficiently that I had to spend several minutes moving them out of the way to make it possible to even get through. (Could have been the recent earth movements.) Our smallest member then went through and declared there to not be enough air space to continue, though we could clearly hear a waterfall beyond.
Now it's been a long time since I was last in this bit of Knotlow, but the boulders must have been causing the water to back up more than was normal before.
To cap all this off, a sizeable rock then (without warning) fell out of the roof and hit first mine, then two other members helmets in turn, leaving one with a cut forehead. I couldn't see the state of the roof due to the water vapour, so can't report on what it looks like, but needless to say we got out of there very quickly!
SO, if you go up there in the near future, basically take extra care, and be prepared to not be able to make the round trip. (At least not without some digging and redistribution of boulders!)
Cheers,
Martin.