I just started keeping bees in fall of 2011, and went with the 2 deep brood boxes with mediums on top. I later found MB's website, and am in process of switching to only 8 frame mediums. (I'm 50 years young and in for the long haul). I split my hives earlier this year so each colony is down to one deep on the bottom, so when the bees move up this winter, I can get it out, and start cutting it down to size. I doubt there is a simple answer, but when can I expect the bees to have used up these stores, so I can remove the box without causing harm? And...will I need to immediately replace with another 8 frame medium? I'm wrongfully assuming the stores will be used up in Jan or Feb, and removing the deep on one of those oddball warm days we usually get in those months. I live in North Central Pa. Thanks for your patience.