May 2, 2004, Mt. Lassen

After our late start on May 1, we were determined to start early on the northwest side of Mt. Lassen.  The Manzanita Lake entrance road is plowed to the Devastated area parking lot at 6400 feet.  We arrived at 7am and were the first skiers at the scene.  There were 2 climbers who camped on the snow next to the parking lot and a couple who spent the evening in their van at the parking lot.  The snow was firm at the parking area and provided a nice skinning surface.  The approach is along the southeast side of the Lost Creek drainage and pretty easy to follow to the base of Lassen.  When you reach the end of the drainage, you can head directly for the Northeast Face, wrap around the Southeast side or head towards the North Ridge.  We headed for the North Ridge because although it was a bit longer it is not as steep as the Northeast Face and there wasn't anyone ahead of us setting a track. Once you reach the saddle at 8200 feet between Crescent Crater and the North Ridge, we began skinning up the North Ridge towards the summit gullies.  It was another sunny and windless day with temperatures expected to reach in the 60's on the mountain.  

As we were climbing we could see the masses ascending the Northeast Face.  There was a group of four who seemed to know the exact line to skin to the summit.  They were closely followed by Bryan, Carol and Paul.  Once we reached our gully, I could see the first group  making their descent in what appeared to be the perfect corn surface of 1" of cream on a firm and steep surface.  Our first turns were in heavy mush for the first 100 vertical due to the direct easterly exposure.  Then as the angle rolled more to the Notheast the surface firmed and the cream was underfoot - YAHOO.  The ride was enjoyable until we reached the trees in the Devastated area and then it was unconsolidated mush to the camper.  We were back to the parking lot by 1pm and it was hot.  Within an hour, Bryan, Carol and Paul returned and we discussed heading for Shasta to complete our month long ski adventure.