i have four huge ones and five small ones and they look dead, but the bark slips and is green underneath so i know they are alive. i pruned a couple of branches and didn't see much green, but if the bark is slipping it means that the vascular cambium is actively growing if i remember right. i bet they are fine and will start sending out leaves soon. They're native so they know when it's time to come back to life ... i guess they just aren't ready yet. the year we had weather in the 15 degree range, for extended periods, all of mine came back to life in the spring.

Thanks Sharon. You made me feel better and I hope you're right :)

you're welcome bea. i bet they are fine and will come back with bells on. :)