Hey Folks,
I thought I would ask if anyone on the Bee-L has had extensive experience
with bees being snowed in for long periods.  I recently moved my small
(comparatively speaking) bee operation to the Blue Mtns of eastern Oregon.
Much to my dismay this winter is turning out to be a real doozie.  Last
time I looked my bees were covered in 3-5 ft of snow.  If I didnt know
exactly where they were I wouldnt be able to find them.  They are wrapped
in construction felt but are otherwise unprotected.  For the most part they
went into winter in good condition.

Now I know that bees routinely survive short periods covered in snow, as
have mine on a number of occations.  What concerns me this year is that
they may not have open entrances, or have the chance for cleansing flights
for a period of 3 months or more.

Question is have any of you had bees that were under snow this long- and
did they survive?  A few success stories would do a lot for my worried mind
at the moment.

Steve Davis
Mtn. Home Apiaries
Summerville, OR