May 1, 2004, Brokeoff Mt.,Lassen Natl Park

We arrived at the Mineral entrance(southwest) of Lassen Volcanic National Park around noon.  The road was plowed to the Chalet at 6800 feet and as we started assembling our gear the early skiers were returning.  It was another sunny but warm day and reports of mush down low were repeated.  Today's goal was Brokeoff Mt.at 9235 feet. The approach is a rather pleasant mix of old growth forest, ridges and gullies.  The shade from the trees made the climbing bearable but it was apparent the late start we enjoyed in the Eastern Sierras was not appropriate for the lower elevations of the Cascades.  As we broke out onto the ridges we could see the south side of Mt. Lassen in the distance.  The lower slopes were already bare.  The road was also bare to the upper parking area although it was gated at the Chalet.  It was scheduled to open to the Sulphur Works on May 6.  We topped out at the ridge just below the summit pyramid and could see our route from the April 2001 trip to Pilot Pinnacle and Diamond Peak.  The bowl below the ridge has numerous entrances and the snow was variable corn.  As we descended, I started trenching in the soft snow as Jill floated along with a smile.  She loves her new Black Diamond Crossbow skis.  We both vowed to start early tomorrow.  The coverage was excellent.