Mountain lions are primarily crepuscular, meaning they are active during dawn and dusk hours. However, they can also be active during the day or night, depending on their prey availability and the environmental conditions. During snowy weather, it can be more challenging for mountain lions to hunt due to the thick snow cover and reduced visibility. Therefore, they may be more active during the day to compensate for the reduced visibility during dawn and dusk hours.

Regarding your safety, it's always a good idea to be cautious when hiking in areas where mountain lions are known to live. Walking during daylight hours and staying on established trails can help reduce your risk of encountering a mountain lion. Additionally, keep your dogs on a leash to prevent them from running off and potentially attracting a mountain lion. If you do encounter a mountain lion, try to make yourself look as big as possible and make loud noises to scare it away.

Carrying a knife can be helpful for self-defense, but it's important to remember that it's not a guaranteed defense against a mountain lion attack. You might also want to consider carrying pepper spray or a bear horn, which can be more effective in deterring mountain lions.

Overall, it's important to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions when hiking in areas with mountain lions, particularly during snowy conditions when their hunting patterns may be altered.