About halfway up the trail. Lots of snow sometimes. Very deep I used poles and had two chains. Even then the going was hard at times.

I stopped at Puppy point. The wind was very strong as well as at times I was thinking in up to my waist in the snow.

Lots of people go up there. Not prepared for the snow.

Trail was in good condition, there is snow once you start to get near the dog mtn 1 mile post. Micro spikes and poles would be highly advised. Snow was pretty deep in some areas, but for the most part it’s compacted and not hard to cross. Weather was quite good, was very cloudy up from puppy dog point. Clouds did break up for a bit and the view was great!

3rd time up Dog Mountain this year and the snowiest so far.  Snow covers about 1/3 of the trail.  Snow shoes not necessary as snow is packed down on the trail but traction device and hiking poles very important on the way down.  There is a "winter" route to get to the summit which climbs straight up the south slope as snow drifts make the usual route to summit not safe.  Found one kahtoola microspike on way down if anyone is missing one foot which I left at trailhead.  

I hiked the full loop counterclockwise, ascending the steepest path (from the fork where the sign reads “difficult” and “more difficult” I selected the latter) and descending the Augspurger Mt. trail. I then climbed up part of the less steep path before descending to the parking lot. (Stats: 9.22 miles and 4160’ of elevation gain- I’m training for a climb.)

Not too muddy in the initial 2 miles or so; lots of small branches and leaves with a few blowdowns that were easy to step over.

There were some snow patches starting at the Puppy Dog viewpoint, which is also where the trail got the most muddy and wet. Slippery mud trench combined with slushy snow, high winds and fog made for slow going. I didn’t need microspikes but I was glad to have waterproof boots on with good tread and trekking poles.

The largest and deepest snow patch on the Dog Mt. trail was at the sign marking the upper junction with the Augspurger Mt. trail, about .10 miles from the summit of Dog Mountain. Still, just walk carefully and you will be fine.

The Augspurger trail had intermittent snow patches in the first mile of descending from the junction near the Dog Mountain summit, including one larger, deep one that partially concealed the trail by a rocky outcropping. But again with some careful steps it was easily crossed. I had the advantage of being familiar with the trail. I encountered 2 very large blowdowns on the Augspurger trail - one I managed to straddle and awkwardly climb over and the other (see picture) I had to walk around as it was huge. That tree looked like it recently had fallen. Also there were a few smaller blowdowns that were pretty easy to just step over.

Note: be prepared! Once I was above the trees on the ridge line the winds were relentless and strong- bring good layers! I used a warm hat, neck gaiter and heavy gloves at the top and for part of the descent. Near freezing at the summit with snowflakes blowing around. Foggy so no views until I was much lower down on the Augspurger trail.

Final note: outhouse was in good shape! Stocked with toilet paper! It’s just slightly uphill from the parking area.

Trail in good shape.  Couple blowdowns but easy to cross.  Near the top, couple patches of hard icy snow.  Microspikes helpful but not necessary if have poles.  Snowed about 2 inches at top in the afternoon.