I can't think of the name of it but there is a product you can use that will thaw the cylinder on locks. I believe it even comes with a ring for your keychain. I think I bought mine at an auto parts store.
Glad you were about to rouse hubby. You would have been a snow bunny in no time out there. ;-)
For the first time I can remember my outdoor refuse bin lids (plastic bins) are frozen solid and I can't open them.