Bees in snow?

[2-Wheeler]

Another newbee question perhaps, but I can't help it... It's still my first year.

We had some warm weather the past few days and most of the snow has melted. The bees were out getting some air as the temps warmed up to the upper 50s. I went to take a look and found about a dozen or so bees lying dead  :'(  on the snow.  These were not at the base of the hive where you'd expect them to be if they were pushed out by the undertakers, or as a result of a robbing party.  Instead these were simply lying on the snow in an arc about 10-12 feet from from the hive.

What might be the cause? Is it normal?  Otherwise the hive still seems quite strong.

[Jorn Johanesson]

Another newbee question perhaps, but I can't help it... It's still my first year.

 These were not at the base of the hive where you'd expect them to be if they were pushed out by the undertakers, or as a result of a robbing party.  Instead these were simply lying on the snow in an arc about 10-12 feet from from the hive.

What might be the cause? Is it normal?  Otherwise the hive still seems quite strong.

The bees are able to fly when air is 10 degrees Celsius. But if they land on the snow they might be caught. In Denmark we often have this +10 when snow is still there . but as long that they just land on plane snow they are able to lift of again. So please avoid fodsteps in the snow in front of the hive. Sorry about the celsisus, I forgot about the conversion table.