Hi all. General consensus: ventilation is required for successful overwintering. I'm slowly working my way through this journal article (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51839721_Flow_currents_and_ventilation_in_Langstroth_beehives_due_to_brood_thermoregulation_efforts_of_honeybees), however the glaze factor sets in early trying to get a grip on fluid dynamic math.

I'm wondering if anyone on this list has knowledge of/or experience in inlet area (bottom entrance) and outlet area(s) i.e. upper entrances, vented quilt boxes, propped outer covers. I live in the PNW, north of Seattle, so adequate ventilation is critical here given the lack of sunshine and abundance of windy/rainy winter weather.  Seems to me there must be accessible info re adjusting flow rates for optimal results, without sacrificing hives through experience learning. 

For background: I returned to beekeeping this year after a long lay-off (pre-varroa days). I have two medium strong hives and a Palmer nuc I'm trying to coax through my first PNW winter. Varroa treatments done, with OA coming in December. I'm using 8 frame deeps, 2" Styrofoam sheathing and quilt boxes. Candy boards with pollen in December. 

References, experiences and thoughts welcome.

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