Mark,
 
I have not really had much good experiences feeding bees in the dead of
winter.  I'm in CA, central valley.  I,ve always tried to make sure that the
bees had plenty of stores prior to really cold, wet weather by feeding or
nectar flow.  It just always seemed to be a great way to rid myself of weak
hives and didn't seem to help much.  If the weather turns and becomes
unseasonably warm and they break cluster I have put feed on then.  You need
to realize that this is the area where we celebrate the "Brown Christmas" and
that has a great deal to do with it I'm sure.  Maybe someone could shed some
light on this for us.  I just know what I've seen in the past and I try to
avoid feeding in those months.  I know of others that will feed dry sugar for
emergencies and the added moisture in syrup like you said seems reasonable to
me.  Hopes this helps some
 
Brian Tassey
Alta Apiaries
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