Review all of the information on safety found in these pages. The first-time Seneca climber should be familiar with some of the potential hazards that may be encountered. We recommend that all Seneca climbers have knowlegde of roped fourth class climbing techniques. Many harder routes at Seneca require placing small nuts from difficult and strenuous stances. Seneca climbing often requires the use of a large rack including slings of various lengths.
Double ropes can be very useful.
Despite the overall excellent quality of the rock, Seneca surprises the climber with occassional loose holds and many debris-strewn ledges. The editors have had very few holds break in many years of climbing at Seneca, but have experienced several that moved under body weight. Rubble covered ledges presents a serious rockfall hazard to climbers below and require utmost caution. Some areas of the rock have been subject to rare but significant rockfall. Seneca lies in a north-south orientation, putting the cliff directly in the path of the prevailing winds.