Final Answer:
"Mount Washington still had high snow and icy water off the trails" fits best in the empty box. OPTION C
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context provided, the most fitting option for the empty box is "c) Mount Washington still had high snow and icy water off the trails." This choice aligns with the weather being unusually warm on Mount Washington, indicating that despite the warm weather, significant snow and icy water persisted off the trails.
As Scott Mason embarked on a day hike on Mount Washington, the weather conditions were unexpectedly warm. However, the critical detail is that despite the warm weather, the mountain retained high snow levels and icy water off the trails. This situation introduces potential challenges and sets the stage for Scott's resourcefulness in addressing problems during his hike.
The significance of this choice lies in the contrast between the warm weather and the persistent snow and icy water. It prompts readers to anticipate the challenges Scott might encounter and hints at the need for creative problem-solving, as suggested by the subsequent information about Scott keeping warm by using hand cleaner to build a fire.