The Bees are clustered in a tight ball trying to keep warm. High concentrations of CO2 reduces their metablism. The oldest of the bees are dying off leaving only the healthiest and heaviest winter bees to carry the hive through to spring. Little to no brood is being raised at this time. The only job for the beekeeper is to keep snow from totally blocking their entrances.
March is when brood rearing restarts. Small patches of brood are raised; Its a critical race to replace the population with young bees before the very old winter bees die off.
The bees will have their first cleansing flights in 6 months. First nectar and pollen sources are available but sporatic weather may prevent them from foraging.
Most of the hive mortality is apparent at this time. Cleaning the floors of dead bees and clearing away dead out hives before it attracts other pests. Hives are weighed to determine how much food was consumed over winter. Extra food may be added to prevent starvation; Either frames of honey from a dead out hive or homemade fonadant.
First inspections happen as the dandelions bloom. Much of this forage will be instantly used for a rapidly expanding population.
Hives volumes are balanced to meet the immediate needs of the population; Tiny hives will be reduced and larger hives will recieve extra boxes to the bottom of the stack.
Leftover honey from winter is harvested. Some frames are added with the intention of comb honey. Hives are expanded as necessary.
Spring honey is harvested. Expansion continues. By now all the majority of the comb has been replaced. Some nucs are taken from hives to recover from winter losses.
Last of the summer honey is harvested. Mite test are done to assess the health and resistance of the hives. Hives are reduced as infested capped brood is removed for nucs. Oxalic acid is used to kill the remaining mites.
Nucs that have failed to make a queen or build a viable population are united together. Hives are reduced to a wintering size and weighed for winter stores; Any excess honey is harvested, some fed back where necessary.
Weather is too cold for foraging. Hives are prepped for winter with wraps and straps.