Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is a town in Lamoille County, Vermont, United States. The population was 4,314 at the 2010 census. The town lies on Vermont Route 108, locally known as the Mountain Road. It is nicknamed 'The Ski Capital of the East' and is home to Stowe Mountain Resort, a ski facility with terrain on Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.

Stowe, VT's Town Hall.
Stowe, Vermont
Seal
Nickname(s): 
The Ski Capital of the East
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, Vermont
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 44°28′31″N 72°42′8″W
CountryUnited States
StateVermont
CountyLamoille
CommunitiesStowe
Lower Village
Moscow
Stowe Fork
West Branch
Government
  TypeBoard of Selectmen
Area
  Total72.7 sq mi (188.4 km2)
  Land72.7 sq mi (188.2 km2)
  Water0.1 sq mi (0.2 km2)
Elevation889 ft (271 m)
Population
 (2010)
  Total4,314
  Density59.7/sq mi (23.1/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
  Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
05672
Area code(s)802 Exchange: 253
FIPS code50-70525[2]

History

Stowe was chartered on June 8, 1763, by Royal Governor Benning Wentworth of the New Hampshire colony.[3] Vermont did not become a U.S. state until 28 years later, in 1791.

Geography

Topographic map of the region around Stowe

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 72.7 square miles (188.4 km2), of which 72.7 square miles (188.2 km2) is land and 0.1 square mile (0.2 km2) (0.10%) is water. By area, it is the second-largest town in the state of Vermont after Chittenden in Rutland County.

Stowe lies in a broad, fertile valley between Mount Mansfield and other peaks of the Green Mountains to the west, and the Worcester Range to the east. The Little River, with its main east and west branches and various tributaries, flows southward and above the Village of Waterbury Center, empties into the large reservoir created by the flood control dam. From there the Little River flows southward and eventually empties into the westward flowing Winooski River west of Waterbury Center.[4]

Climate

Mount Mansfield

According to the Trewartha climate classification system, Mount Mansfield has a Temperate Continental climate (Dc) with mild summers (l), very cold winters (c) and year-around precipitation (Dclc). Dclc climates are characterized by at least one month having an average mean temperature ≤ 14.0 °F (−10.0 °C), four to seven months with an average mean temperature ≥ 50.0 °F (10.0 °C), all months with an average mean temperature < 72.0 °F (22.2 °C) and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. Although most summer days are comfortably humid on Mount Mansfield, episodes of warmth and moderate humidity can occur with heat index values > 81 °F (27 °C). Since 1981, the highest air temperature was 89.5 °F (31.9 °C) on 07/08/1988, and the highest daily average mean dew point was 69.8 °F (21.0 °C) on 08/01/2006. July is the peak month for thunderstorm activity which correlates with the average warmest month of the year. Since 1981, the wettest calendar day was 5.74 inches (146 mm) on 09/16/1999. During the winter months, the plant hardiness zone is 4a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −26.7 °F (−32.6 °C).[5] Since 1981, the coldest air temperature was −35.6 °F (−37.6 °C) on 01/27/1994. Episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values < −42 °F (−41 °C). Ice storms and large snowstorms depositing ≥ 12 inches (30 cm) of snow are frequent from late-fall to early-spring.

Climate data for Mount Mansfield, Elevation 3,734 ft (1,138 m), 1981-2010 normals, extremes 1981-2018
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 56.0
(13.3)
63.7
(17.6)
75.6
(24.2)
82.4
(28.0)
84.5
(29.2)
88.5
(31.4)
89.5
(31.9)
89.0
(31.7)
88.0
(31.1)
75.1
(23.9)
65.7
(18.7)
59.8
(15.4)
89.5
(31.9)
Average high °F (°C) 17.4
(−8.1)
20.0
(−6.7)
29.8
(−1.2)
44.9
(7.2)
56.7
(13.7)
65.4
(18.6)
69.4
(20.8)
68.2
(20.1)
61.4
(16.3)
49.3
(9.6)
35.3
(1.8)
22.3
(−5.4)
45.1
(7.3)
Daily mean °F (°C) 10.0
(−12.2)
13.0
(−10.6)
21.5
(−5.8)
35.3
(1.8)
47.8
(8.8)
56.6
(13.7)
61.0
(16.1)
59.7
(15.4)
52.8
(11.6)
40.6
(4.8)
28.1
(−2.2)
15.7
(−9.1)
37.0
(2.8)
Average low °F (°C) 2.6
(−16.3)
6.1
(−14.4)
13.2
(−10.4)
25.8
(−3.4)
38.9
(3.8)
47.7
(8.7)
52.6
(11.4)
51.3
(10.7)
44.2
(6.8)
31.8
(−0.1)
20.9
(−6.2)
9.1
(−12.7)
28.8
(−1.8)
Record low °F (°C) −35.6
(−37.6)
−34.4
(−36.9)
−21.6
(−29.8)
1.3
(−17.1)
19.3
(−7.1)
27.1
(−2.7)
37.6
(3.1)
32.9
(0.5)
22.3
(−5.4)
15.4
(−9.2)
−6.9
(−21.6)
−26.7
(−32.6)
−35.6
(−37.6)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 5.72
(145)
4.74
(120)
5.72
(145)
5.69
(145)
6.49
(165)
7.07
(180)
6.94
(176)
7.29
(185)
7.23
(184)
7.49
(190)
7.18
(182)
6.66
(169)
78.22
(1,987)
Average relative humidity (%) 86.6 87.5 71.8 62.6 65.2 71.5 76.6 77.9 78.5 75.0 77.9 87.7 76.5
Average dew point °F (°C) 6.8
(−14.0)
10.0
(−12.2)
13.8
(−10.1)
23.8
(−4.6)
36.7
(2.6)
47.5
(8.6)
53.6
(12.0)
52.8
(11.6)
46.3
(7.9)
33.3
(0.7)
22.1
(−5.5)
12.7
(−10.7)
30.0
(−1.1)
Source: PRISM[6]

The Lodge at Spruce Peak

According to the Trewartha climate classification system, The Lodge at Spruce Peak has a Temperate Continental climate (Dc) with warm summers (b), cold winters (o) and year-around precipitation (Dcbo). Dcbo climates are characterized by at least one month having an average mean temperature ≤ 32.0 °F (0.0 °C), four to seven months with an average mean temperature ≥ 50.0 °F (10.0 °C), all months with an average mean temperature < 72.0 °F (22.2 °C) and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. Although most summer days are comfortably humid at The Lodge at Spruce Peak, episodes of warmth and moderate humidity can occur with heat index values > 88 °F (31 °C). Since 1981, the highest air temperature was 89.8 °F (32.1 °C) on 07/08/1988, and the highest daily average mean dew point was 69.7 °F (20.9 °C) on 08/01/2006. July is the peak month for thunderstorm activity which correlates with the average warmest month of the year. Since 1981, the wettest calendar day was 5.62 inches (143 mm) on 09/16/1999. During the winter months, the plant hardiness zone is 4b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −23.7 °F (−30.9 °C).[5] Since 1981, the coldest air temperature was −35.8 °F (−37.7 °C) on 01/27/1994. Episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values < −38 °F (−39 °C). Ice storms and large snowstorms depositing ≥ 12 inches (30 cm) of snow are somewhat frequent from December through March.

Climate data for The Lodge at Spruce Peak, Elevation 1,663 ft (507 m), 1981-2010 normals, extremes 1981-2018
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 56.6
(13.7)
64.4
(18.0)
76.0
(24.4)
82.3
(27.9)
84.6
(29.2)
88.8
(31.6)
89.8
(32.1)
89.1
(31.7)
88.0
(31.1)
75.2
(24.0)
66.2
(19.0)
60.5
(15.8)
89.8
(32.1)
Average high °F (°C) 24.1
(−4.4)
27.7
(−2.4)
36.6
(2.6)
50.1
(10.1)
62.9
(17.2)
71.1
(21.7)
75.1
(23.9)
73.3
(22.9)
65.7
(18.7)
53.1
(11.7)
40.6
(4.8)
28.5
(−1.9)
50.8
(10.4)
Daily mean °F (°C) 15.2
(−9.3)
18.0
(−7.8)
27.1
(−2.7)
40.4
(4.7)
52.7
(11.5)
61.4
(16.3)
65.5
(18.6)
63.7
(17.6)
56.1
(13.4)
44.3
(6.8)
33.3
(0.7)
21.0
(−6.1)
41.7
(5.4)
Average low °F (°C) 6.4
(−14.2)
8.3
(−13.2)
17.7
(−7.9)
30.8
(−0.7)
42.4
(5.8)
51.7
(10.9)
55.9
(13.3)
54.1
(12.3)
46.5
(8.1)
35.6
(2.0)
26.1
(−3.3)
13.6
(−10.2)
32.5
(0.3)
Record low °F (°C) −35.8
(−37.7)
−34.0
(−36.7)
−21.7
(−29.8)
2.3
(−16.5)
20.6
(−6.3)
27.3
(−2.6)
37.7
(3.2)
32.8
(0.4)
22.2
(−5.4)
15.6
(−9.1)
−6.5
(−21.4)
−26.4
(−32.4)
−35.8
(−37.7)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 4.23
(107)
3.50
(89)
4.31
(109)
4.43
(113)
4.95
(126)
5.57
(141)
5.55
(141)
5.86
(149)
5.36
(136)
5.98
(152)
5.40
(137)
4.84
(123)
59.98
(1,523)
Average relative humidity (%) 82.0 77.7 70.3 63.8 63.1 70.2 74.3 74.4 75.3 76.3 79.0 85.0 74.3
Average dew point °F (°C) 10.7
(−11.8)
12.2
(−11.0)
18.7
(−7.4)
29.1
(−1.6)
40.5
(4.7)
51.6
(10.9)
57.1
(13.9)
55.4
(13.0)
48.4
(9.1)
37.3
(2.9)
27.5
(−2.5)
17.2
(−8.2)
33.9
(1.1)
Source: PRISM[6]

Stowe Village

According to the Trewartha climate classification system, Stowe Village has a Temperate Continental climate (Dc) with warm summers (b), cold winters (o) and year-around precipitation (Dcbo). Dcbo climates are characterized by at least one month having an average mean temperature ≤ 32.0 °F (0.0 °C), four to seven months with an average mean temperature ≥ 50.0 °F (10.0 °C), all months with an average mean temperature < 72.0 °F (22.2 °C) and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. Although most summer days are comfortably humid at Stowe Village, episodes of heat and high humidity can occur with heat index values > 92 °F (33 °C). Since 1981, the highest air temperature was 94.7 °F (34.8 °C) on 07/09/1988, and the highest daily average mean dew point was 71.9 °F (22.2 °C) on 07/01/2018. July is the peak month for thunderstorm activity which correlates with the average warmest month of the year. Since 1981, the wettest calendar day was 4.65 inches (118 mm) on 08/28/2011. During the winter months, the plant hardiness zone is 4a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −25.2 °F (−31.8 °C).[5] Since 1981, the coldest air temperature was −35.1 °F (−37.3 °C) on 01/27/1994. Episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values < −40 °F (−40 °C). Ice storms and large snowstorms depositing ≥ 12 inches (30 cm) of snow occur once or twice per winter.

Climate data for Stowe Village, Elevation 791 ft (241 m), 1981-2010 normals, extremes 1981-2018
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 61.3
(16.3)
68.5
(20.3)
79.5
(26.4)
86.3
(30.2)
88.7
(31.5)
93.5
(34.2)
94.7
(34.8)
93.1
(33.9)
91.3
(32.9)
78.4
(25.8)
71.1
(21.7)
65.1
(18.4)
94.7
(34.8)
Average high °F (°C) 26.1
(−3.3)
29.8
(−1.2)
38.8
(3.8)
52.8
(11.6)
65.8
(18.8)
74.4
(23.6)
78.7
(25.9)
77.2
(25.1)
69.0
(20.6)
55.9
(13.3)
43.6
(6.4)
31.1
(−0.5)
53.7
(12.1)
Daily mean °F (°C) 15.8
(−9.0)
18.7
(−7.4)
28.0
(−2.2)
41.8
(5.4)
53.5
(11.9)
62.8
(17.1)
67.2
(19.6)
65.6
(18.7)
57.6
(14.2)
45.6
(7.6)
35.1
(1.7)
22.4
(−5.3)
43.0
(6.1)
Average low °F (°C) 5.6
(−14.7)
7.5
(−13.6)
17.2
(−8.2)
30.7
(−0.7)
41.3
(5.2)
51.3
(10.7)
55.7
(13.2)
53.9
(12.2)
46.1
(7.8)
35.2
(1.8)
26.6
(−3.0)
13.7
(−10.2)
32.2
(0.1)
Record low °F (°C) −35.1
(−37.3)
−32.0
(−35.6)
−20.5
(−29.2)
6.8
(−14.0)
24.1
(−4.4)
29.7
(−1.3)
38.1
(3.4)
34.5
(1.4)
22.9
(−5.1)
16.9
(−8.4)
−3.9
(−19.9)
−24.3
(−31.3)
−35.1
(−37.3)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 2.68
(68)
2.42
(61)
2.86
(73)
3.18
(81)
3.83
(97)
4.11
(104)
4.45
(113)
4.47
(114)
3.51
(89)
4.39
(112)
3.61
(92)
3.24
(82)
42.75
(1,086)
Average relative humidity (%) 75.7 73.4 67.7 61.4 63.5 68.8 71.1 72.7 74.6 73.2 75.7 80.1 71.5
Average dew point °F (°C) 9.5
(−12.5)
11.6
(−11.3)
18.7
(−7.4)
29.5
(−1.4)
41.4
(5.2)
52.4
(11.3)
57.5
(14.2)
56.6
(13.7)
49.6
(9.8)
37.5
(3.1)
28.2
(−2.1)
17.2
(−8.2)
34.2
(1.2)
Source: PRISM[6]

Ecology

Mount Mansfield

According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, Mount Mansfield would have a dominant vegetation type of Northeast Spruce/Fir (96) with a dominant vegetation form of Northern Conifer forest (22).[7] The peak spring bloom typically occurs in late-May and peak fall color usually occurs in late-September. The plant hardiness zone is 4a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −26.7 °F (−32.6 °C).[5]

The Lodge at Spruce Peak

According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, The Lodge at Spruce Peak would have a dominant vegetation type of Northeast Spruce/Fir (96) with a dominant vegetation form of Northern Conifer forest (22).[7] The peak spring bloom typically occurs in mid-May and peak fall color usually occurs in late-September. The plant hardiness zone is 4b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −23.7 °F (−30.9 °C).[5]

Stowe Village

According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, Stowe Village would have a dominant vegetation type of Northern [Hardwood]s/[Spruce] (108) with a dominant vegetation form of Northern Hardwoods (23).[7] The peak spring bloom typically occurs in early-May and peak fall color usually occurs in late-September. The plant hardiness zone is 4a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −25.2 °F (−31.8 °C).[5]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.
1800316
1810650105.7%
182095747.2%
18301,57064.1%
18401,371−12.7%
18501,77129.2%
18602,04615.5%
18702,0490.1%
18801,896−7.5%
18901,886−0.5%
19001,9262.1%
19101,9913.4%
19201,800−9.6%
19301,654−8.1%
19401,7415.3%
19501,720−1.2%
19601,90110.5%
19702,38825.6%
19802,99125.3%
19903,43314.8%
20004,33926.4%
20104,314−0.6%
2014 (est.)4,411[8]2.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]

As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 4,339 people, 1,905 households, and 1,129 families residing in the town. The population density was 59.7 people per square mile (23.1/km2). There were 2,728 housing units at an average density of 37.5 per square mile (14.5/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.51% White, 0.28% African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.44% Asian, 0.23% from other races, and 1.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.06% of the population.

There were 1,905 households, out of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.7% were non-families. 29.0% 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 2.27 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.1% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 30.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.2 males.

Economy

There has been some manufacturing in Stowe, such as the Tubbs Snowshoe factory, but it closed in 2009 and moved its manufacturing overseas.

The median income for a household in the town was $52,378, and the median income for a family was $64,700. Males had a median income of $37,788 versus $31,689 for females. The per capita income for the town was $35,474. About 3.7% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.8% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.[2] The median house value was $412,183 in 2012.[10]

Points of interest

  • Trapp Family Lodge
  • Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum
  • Stowe Mountain Resort - Stowe, 'The Ski Capital of the East', has long been known for its winter recreation. Its ski area was purchased by Vail Resorts in 2017 for $41 million dollars.[11] It has 117 ski runs spread over Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, and boasts 13 lifts.[12]
  • Stowe Recreation Path - a recreation trail[13] that runs 5.3 miles (8.5 km), and was completed in 1989 at a total cost of $680,000. The path stretches from the Village downtown all the way to the TopNotch Lodge. It has received several awards and honors.[14]
  • Cady Hill Forest in the heart of Stowe Village was conserved by the Stowe Land Trust in 2012 and transferred to the Town of Stowe. It offers more than 11 miles (18 km) of hiking and mountain bike trails, with an access point off of Route 108 (Mountain Road). The Stowe Mountain Bike Club is currently responsible for maintaining the trail network.[15]
  • HGTV's 2011 Dream Home is located in Stowe.[16]

Education

The Middle and High School are adjacent

There are three public schools in town: Stowe Elementary School, Stowe Middle School, and Stowe High School. The Mount Mansfield Winter Academy is located in Stowe, which has a focus on snow sport athletes.

Stowe Land Trust

Stowe Land Trust has conserved 30 properties and over 3,500 acres (14 km2), many of which are available to the public. One is Wiessner Woods, conserved by the trust in 1992 through a donation from the Wiessner family.[17]

Media

The Stowe Reporter, covering local politics, business, arts, and personalities, has been the weekly newspaper of record for the town of Stowe since its founding in 1958. The Vermont Community Newspaper Group, owner of the Stowe Reporter and four other community weekly newspapers in Vermont, is based in Stowe.

Radio station WCVT is licensed to Stowe, and programs a classical music format.

Notable people

References

  1. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  2. History of Stowe Vermont to 1869 by Mrs. M.N. Wilkins, As originally published in THE VERMONT HISTORICAL GAZATEER, a Magazine Embracing a History of Each Town Civil, Ecclesiastical, Biographical and Military. Vol.II (Burlington, VT 1871) Edited and Published by Miss A. M Hemenway: Stowe Historical Society Stowe Vermont 1987
  3. Stowe, Vermont, 7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangle, USGS, 1968 (1972 rev.)
  4. "USDA Interactive Plant Hardiness Map". United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
  5. "PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University". Retrieved September 10, 2019.
  6. "U.S. Potential Natural Vegetation, Original Kuchler Types, v2.0 (Spatially Adjusted to Correct Geometric Distortions)". Retrieved September 10, 2019.
  7. "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014". Archived from the original on May 23, 2015. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  8. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  9. "Stowe, Vermont (VT 05672) profile: population, maps, real estate, averages, homes, statistics, relocation, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, moving, houses, news, sex offenders".
  10. "Vail Resorts closes $41 million deal to acquire Stowe ski area in Vermont". The Denver Post. 2017-06-07. Retrieved 2018-12-12.
  11. "Terrain and Lift Status". www.stowe.com. Retrieved 2018-12-12.
  12. Map of Path, SuperPages.com
  13. "History of the Stowe Recreation Path", Town of Stowe
  14. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-04-01. Retrieved 2015-03-24.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  15. "HGTV". HGTV. Retrieved 2012-04-17.
  16. "Wiessner Woods". Stowe Land Trust. Retrieved 2012-04-17.
  17. Cutter, William Richard, ed. (1913). New England Families, Genealogical and Memorial. III. New York, NY: Lewis Historical Publishing Company. p. 1504 via HathiTrust.
  18. https://www.vtcng.com/stowe_reporter/news/local_news/stowe-high-graduate-helps-to-fight-coronavirus/article_499d213a-8fdd-11ea-a407-3b8128cca4a4.html
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