Pinedale, Wyoming

Pinedale, Wyoming
Town
Pine Street, Pinedale, Wyoming - Looking East
Motto:  All the Civilization You Need
Location of Pinedale in Sublette County, Wyoming.
Pinedale, Wyoming Location in the United States
Coordinates: 42°51′58″N109°51′53″W / 42.86611°N 109.86472°W / 42.86611; -109.86472
Country	United States
State	Wyoming
County	Sublette
Government
• Mayor	Matt Murdock
Area [1]
• Total	2.16 sq mi (5.61 km2)
• Land	2.16 sq mi (5.61 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation	7,182 ft (2,189 m)
Population  (2010) [2]
• Total	2,030
• Estimate  (2019) [3]	1,871
• Density	864.60/sq mi (333.76/km2)
Time zone	UTC−7 (Mountain (MST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−6 (MDT)
ZIP code	82941
Area code	307
FIPS code	56-61580 [4]
GNIS feature ID	1604444 [5]
Website	www.townofpinedale.us

Pinedale is a town in and the county seat of Sublette County, Wyoming, United States. ^[6] The population was 2,030 at the 2010 census. Pinedale is an important hunting outfitting town and a gateway to the Wind River Mountains. Additionally, Pinedale is near several large natural gas fields, including the Pinedale Anticline and Jonah Field. Attractions include the Museum of the Mountain Man, Green River Rendezvous Days, White Pine Ski Area, the Pinedale Aquatic Center and the Town Park System along the Pine Creek Corridor in the middle of town. The mayor is Matt Murdock, who was elected in 2018. ^[7]

Geography and climate

Pinedale is located at 42°51′58″N109°51′53″W / 42.86611°N 109.86472°W / 42.86611; -109.86472 (42.866162, −109.864622) ^[8] and sits at an elevation of 7,175 feet above sea level. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.15 square miles (5.57 km²), all land. ^[9]

There are 1,300 lakes around the Pinedale area. Fremont Lake, four miles from Pinedale, is the most commonly used lake, and Wyoming's second largest natural lake. ^[10]

Pine Creek flows from nearby Fremont Lake through the town on its way to the Green River.

Pinedale has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb) with summers featuring warm afternoons and cold mornings, plus very cold, dry winters. The average January low is 1.9 °F (−16.7 °C), on average 46.3 mornings fall to or below 0 °F or −17.8 °C and between 1991 and 2020, the temperature will drop to −26 °F or −32.2 °C in an average year. The coldest temperature on record since records started in 1948 is −49 °F (−45 °C) during the bitter cold wave of December 1990.

Although the winters are dry, there is enough moisture in the cold air for 76.1 inches or 1.93 metres of snow during a typical winter, with the range being from 166.5 inches (4.23 m) between July 2016 and June 2017 to 28.4 inches (0.72 m) between July 1962 and June 1963.

Climate data for Pinedale, Wyoming, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1948–present
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	55 (13)	51 (11)	67 (19)	77 (25)	85 (29)	91 (33)	94 (34)	91 (33)	90 (32)	81 (27)	70 (21)	56 (13)	94 (34)
Mean maximum °F (°C)	39.5 (4.2)	41.5 (5.3)	54.1 (12.3)	67.1 (19.5)	76.3 (24.6)	82.3 (27.9)	87.3 (30.7)	85.6 (29.8)	81.5 (27.5)	71.1 (21.7)	55.6 (13.1)	42.1 (5.6)	86.9 (30.5)
Average high °F (°C)	28.0 (−2.2)	30.7 (−0.7)	40.5 (4.7)	50.9 (10.5)	61.4 (16.3)	71.3 (21.8)	79.9 (26.6)	78.3 (25.7)	69.2 (20.7)	55.2 (12.9)	39.7 (4.3)	28.6 (−1.9)	52.8 (11.6)
Daily mean °F (°C)	15.0 (−9.4)	17.3 (−8.2)	27.2 (−2.7)	37.0 (2.8)	45.8 (7.7)	54.5 (12.5)	61.3 (16.3)	59.1 (15.1)	50.8 (10.4)	39.5 (4.2)	26.2 (−3.2)	16.0 (−8.9)	37.5 (3.1)
Average low °F (°C)	1.9 (−16.7)	3.9 (−15.6)	14.0 (−10.0)	23.1 (−4.9)	30.2 (−1.0)	37.7 (3.2)	42.8 (6.0)	40.0 (4.4)	32.5 (0.3)	23.8 (−4.6)	12.8 (−10.7)	3.4 (−15.9)	22.2 (−5.5)
Mean minimum °F (°C)	−19.9 (−28.8)	−18.3 (−27.9)	−7.1 (−21.7)	8.9 (−12.8)	17.0 (−8.3)	27.0 (−2.8)	33.5 (0.8)	28.7 (−1.8)	20.5 (−6.4)	7.1 (−13.8)	−5.4 (−20.8)	−18.0 (−27.8)	−25.6 (−32.0)
Record low °F (°C)	−44 (−42)	−42 (−41)	−32 (−36)	−13 (−25)	−2 (−19)	18 (−8)	23 (−5)	18 (−8)	8 (−13)	−17 (−27)	−28 (−33)	−49 (−45)	−49 (−45)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	0.70 (18)	0.76 (19)	0.73 (19)	1.07 (27)	1.89 (48)	1.36 (35)	0.88 (22)	0.96 (24)	1.21 (31)	0.93 (24)	0.64 (16)	0.74 (19)	11.87 (302)
Average snowfall inches (cm)	13.2 (34)	12.5 (32)	9.4 (24)	8.2 (21)	2.8 (7.1)	0.6 (1.5)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.6 (1.5)	5.2 (13)	10.1 (26)	13.5 (34)	76.1 (194.1)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 inch)	7.2	7.9	7.2	8.2	10.7	7.9	7.1	7.3	6.8	6.4	6.7	7.1	90.5
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 inch)	7.2	7.4	5.4	4.5	1.1	0.3	0.0	0.0	0.3	2.1	5.9	7.6	41.8
Source: NOAA [11] [12]

Wildlife

Pinedale and the surrounding area are home to a large population of wildlife including both grizzly and black bear, moose, elk, pronghorn, mule deer, whitetail deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions. ^[13] Over seven species of trout, including rainbow and brown can be found in the area lakes. ^[14]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1920	94		—
1930	219		133.0%
1940	647		195.4%
1950	770		19.0%
1960	965		25.3%
1970	948		−1.8%
1980	1,066		12.4%
1990	1,181		10.8%
2000	1,412		19.6%
2010	2,030		43.8%
2019 (est.)	1,871	[3]	−7.8%
U.S. Decennial Census [15]

2010 census

As of the census ^[2] of 2010, there were 2,030 people, 847 households, and 484 families residing in the town. The population density was 944.2 inhabitants per square mile (364.6/km²). There were 1,080 housing units at an average density of 502.3 per square mile (193.9/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 90.5% White, 0.7% African American, 0.6% Native American, 1.3% Asian, 4.8% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 9.9% of the population.

There were 847 households, of which 30.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.9% were married couples living together, 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.9% were non-families. 31.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.96.

The median age in the town was 33.5 years. 23.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 33.2% were from 25 to 44; 24.9% were from 45 to 64; and 9.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 54.8% male and 45.2% female.

2000 census

As of the census ^[4] of 2000, there were 1,412 people, 582 households, and 368 families residing in the town. The population density was 996.5 people per square mile (383.9/km²). There were 718 housing units at an average density of 506.7 per square mile (195.2/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 96.95% White, 0.35% African American, 0.71% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 0.42% from other races, and 1.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.49% of the population.

There were 582 households, out of which 32.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.4% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.6% were non-families. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 24.6% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 26.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $35,188, and the median income for a family was $40,880. Males had a median income of $31,976 versus $22,143 for females. The per capita income for the town was $20,441. About 7.8% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.5% of those under age 18 and 10.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Public education in the town of Pinedale is provided by Sublette County School District #1. Schools serving the town include Pinedale Elementary School (grades K–5), Pinedale Middle School (grades 6–8), and Pinedale High School (grades 9–12).

Tourism

The region offers many outdoor activities with its close proximity to the Wind River Range. These activities include fishing, hiking, camping, boating, four-wheeling, hunting, skiing/snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and ice skating. The town hosts the Green River Rendezvous, a reenactment of historic fur trader gatherings at the Upper Green River Rendezvous Site in nearby Daniel. During Rendezvous, rodeos take place at the rodeo grounds and many businesses and vendors set up booths around town. ^[16]

Hazards

Main articles: Hazards of outdoor recreation and Mountaineering § Hazards

Encountering bears is a concern in the Wind River Range. ^[17] There are other concerns as well, including bugs, wildfires, adverse snow conditions and nighttime cold temperatures. ^[18]

There have been notable incidents, including accidental deaths, due to falls from steep cliffs (a misstep could be fatal in this class 4/5 terrain) and due to falling rocks, over the years, including 1993, ^[19] 2007 (involving an experienced NOLS leader), ^[20] 2015 ^[21] and 2018. ^[22] Other incidents include a seriously injured backpacker being airlifted near SquareTop Mountain ^[23] in 2005, ^[24] and a fatal hiker incident (from an apparent accidental fall) in 2006 that involved state search and rescue. ^[25]

References

1. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
2. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved December 14, 2012.
3. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
4. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
5. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
6. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
7. "Pinedale municipal election results" . Retrieved August 5, 2014.
8. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
9. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
10. "Pinedale, Wyoming Outdoors".
11. "NOWData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . Retrieved June 21, 2021.
12. "Summary of Monthly Normals 1991–2020". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . Retrieved June 21, 2021.
13. Koekkoek, Toby (February 6, 2023). "More than 500 miles of wildlife fencing converted in Sublette County". Buckrail. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
14. "Wyoming Game Fish". Pinedale Online.
15. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
16. "79th Annual Green River Rendezvous" . Retrieved May 14, 2014.
17. Staff (April 24, 2017). "Bear Safety in Wyoming's Wind River Country". WindRiver.org . Archived from the original on July 26, 2021. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
18. Ballou, Dawn (July 27, 2005). "Wind River Range condition update - Fires, trails, bears, Continental Divide". PineDaleOnline News. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
19. Staff (1993). "Falling Rock, Loose Rock, Failure to Test Holds, Wyoming, Wind River Range, Seneca Lake". American Alpine Club . Archived from the original on July 26, 2021. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
20. MacDonald, Dougald (August 14, 2007). "Trundled Rock Kills NOLS Leader". Climbing . Archived from the original on July 26, 2021. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
21. Staff (December 9, 2015). "Officials rule Wind River Range climbing deaths accidental". Casper Star-Tribune . Archived from the original on July 26, 2021. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
22. Dayton, Kelsey (August 24, 2018). "Deadly underestimation". WyoFile News. Archived from the original on July 26, 2021. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
23. Funk, Jason (2009). "Squaretop Mountain Rock Climbing". Mountain Project . Archived from the original on July 26, 2021. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
24. Staff (July 22, 2005). "Injured man rescued from Square Top Mtn - Tip-Top Search & Rescue helps 2 injured on the mountain". PineDaleOnline News. Archived from the original on July 26, 2021. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
25. Staff (September 1, 2006). "Incident Reports - September, 2006 - Wind River Search". WildernessDoc.com. Archived from the original on January 27, 2020. Retrieved May 31, 2022.

External links

• Town website
• Pinedale Roundup Online
• Pinedale Online
• Pinedale community message board
• Chamber of Commerce
• Socioeconomics of Sublette County
• www.visitpinedale.org - travel and tourism information