Couple questions on my Michigan Snow Hive

[harvey]

Hello All,

My one and only hive from a spring swarm sits out by the pond in the snow.  I went down today and swept the snow off of the landing board and used a stick to open up the entrance as it had an ice chunk sealing it up.  Tonight I only found one dead bee in the snow.  It had gotten up to 36 degrees and was sunny?  I don't know what is going on in the hive and am a little worried that their honey stores might be running out?
   Come sunday it is supposed to be almost 40 degrees.  Should I open the hive and take a look?   Should I pull a frame?   Should I dump sugar on the top of the hive?   Or......should i leave them alone?    Way to long between hive inspections when it is from late October till May?!

[John Schwartz]

all sounds normal. they'll stay closely clumped in cold weather. if/when it hits 45 degrees or more, you should start to see a bit of activity.

[danno]

Harvey
If its not windy and gets to high 30s or better yet 40s take a peek.  You should be ready to feed if they need it.  Feb will be long and cold.  If they are right at the top under the cover and we get our usual Feb weather they will starve with plenty of food below and to the outside edges.   I use fondant bought from Dawn foods in Jackson.  50# block for $35.00

[harvey]

Thanks,   Can I add dry sugar this time of year?   If I do should I put a medium on top of the two deeps to put the sugar in?   I don't want to add to much space for them to have to heat/