Yes a foot or two of snow on top of plants IS wonderful. Insulation from the wind and constant temp at 32 degrees F. Much better than freeze/thaw/freeze/thaw and repeat. That causes frost heaves that lift plants up and can expose roots. Of course about that time an animal drops by and says YUM!!
One major benefit that I have with my micro-climate is that there are a lot of trees to my West and particularly Northwest. There is a heavily wooded area going up a slope so the trees are 50 + feet above the top of my house. This really knocks down the wind and wind chill is far more damaging than temperature alone.
