I have a yard with poor shelter. In February of last year it was well
covered in snow and few of the hives showed any action at the top
entrances. I thought that most were dead but in the spring they were all
(nearly all) alive. I believe that if bees are heavily fed in fall they
tend to cluster in the bottom super and show little activity at the top
when it is cold. Do not be discouraged yet!
 
Donald Aitken
11710-129 Street
Edmonton Alberta Canada
T5M 0Y7