PINEDALE – Temperatures are finally rising in Sublette County and the snow is beginning to melt. Winter conditions still persist especially for underground pipes, and frost remains a threat.

The Pinedale Town Council voted unanimously to extend the winter base allotment of 40,000 gallons per month to May 15. The action allows businesses and residents to continue bleeding their water lines to prevent the pipes from freezing and rupturing.

Despite air temperatures reaching the upper 40s and low 50s on Monday and Tuesday, town staff had not seen a “significant thaw” in the town’s water and sewer lines, said Spencer Hartman, water-wastewater supervisor and lab supervisor.

Freezing pipes continued to plague communities like Kemmerer, Green River and Rock Springs, said Pinedale Mayor Matt Murdock.

Councilmembers also voted to extend the waiver of overage fees for the Redstone Second Addition to May 15. In February, the town council waived water and sewer overage fees along portions of Quartz Avenue, Jade Street and Shanley Avenue to promote bleeding and prevent additional pipes from freezing.

Councilmembers Judi Boyce and Dean Loftus abstained from voting on the extension of overage fees due to potential conflicts of interest.

A unanimous motion passed to extend Pinedale’s winter no-dig order through May 15. The extension will protect infrastructure in town during the spring thaw, said Mayor Murdock.

The motion authorizes the mayor to lift the no-dig order on the recommendation from town staff.