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Dorchester
Eden Index
Climate
6.7
•
Recreation
4.9
•
Community
•
Safeguard
4.4/10
Dorchester is a small town in northeast Iowa that experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The area receives an average annual precipitation of around 34 inches, with snowfall occurring regularly during winter months. The town sits near the Upper Iowa River, which is known for its trout fishing opportunities and scenic canoeing and kayaking experiences. The river is also a source of drinking water for the town, and efforts are made to monitor hydrology constituents to ensure the water quality remains safe. Hiking and camping opportunities can be found at nearby state parks, and the town hosts an annual summer festival that features live music and food vendors.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 6.7
Dorchester receives approximately
889mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 82%
and air temperatures averaging around
8°C.
Dorchester has a plant hardyness factor of
4, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Upper Mississippi-Maquoketa-Plum
Area Rivers
Upper Mississippi-Maquoketa-Plum
Snowpack Depths
Upper Mississippi-Maquoketa-Plum
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Upper Mississippi-Maquoketa-Plum
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.9
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graham Cave State Park | None | 778 ft | |||
| Pulltite - Ozark National Scenic River | 55 | 817 ft | |||
| Montauk State Park | None | 910 ft | |||
| Alley Spring - Ozark National Scenic River | 162 | 672 ft | |||
| Little Scotia Dispersed | None | 1,362 ft | |||
| Hermann City RV Park | 20 | 509 ft | |||
| Greer Crossing | 72 | 564 ft | |||
| Akers | None | 818 ft | |||
| Round Spring - Ozark National Scenic River | None | 673 ft | |||
| Ray Behrens | None | 677 ft |
Nearby Ski Areas
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI):
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.