I think this hive is a goner.

This hive was one of my strongest hives in the spring.

I had noticed not much queen activity in the last inspections.

I don't think there are enough bees to make it through the winter. I also believe that there are not enough bees there to consolidate them. It's the beginning to of November in Virginia. We have had a few nights of frost. I do not want to open a strong hive and risk the loss of heat with the addition of an extra box.

The stronger hive would have more area to heat. That would take more bees. Winter time is not the time to make bees. Its the time to save resources.