Snow buildup at entrance

[mtbe]

Just got about 6" of snow over the weekend.

Didn't pay attention to the hives due to the holidays. 

I have 3 TBHs that have about 2-4" of snow piled up on the entrance.  I didn't check to see if it was completely blocking the entrance or not.  Do I need to brush the snow off for ventilation? 

These are bottom entrances with 'landing space'  (built before discovering the benefits of top entrances).

[kathyp]

i would leave the top closed if they have an exit from the bottom.  if you open both, all you do is suck cold air through the hive.  i don't have TBH, but the chimney effect should be the same with two openings.

[Michael Bush]

Snow is warm.  It's 32 F.  When it's -17 outside (as it was a couple of days ago) 32 F is quite a bit warmer.

[bee-nuts]

So it is true that ice is 32 degrees all the time and does not get colder?  It does not seem logical.

[kathyp]

ice and snow can be colder than 32 degrees.  what they do, is insulate the hive when they cover it.  they help hold the heat in to some extent, but not completely.  a good size hive will melt the snow off the top.  it's one way to know the hive is alive and the cluster is creating good heat.

[Michael Bush]

Snow has air trapped in it and is good insulation.  Ice may be another matter.