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Great-Falls
Eden Index
Climate
7.6
•
Recreation
3.1
•
Community
2.6
•
Safeguard
4.8/10
Great Falls, Montana is located in the north-central part of the state and has a semi-arid climate. Summers are warm and dry with average temperatures in the mid-80s, while winters are cold and snowy with temperatures averaging in the mid-20s. The city sits near the Missouri River and has several hydrology constituents, including the Rainbow Dam, which provides hydroelectric power and recreational opportunities. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping in nearby locations such as Giant Springs State Park and the Lewis and Clark National Forest. The city also has a ski resort, Showdown, located about an hour away. Great Falls is an ideal destination for those interested in outdoor recreation and nature.
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): 7.6
Great-Falls receives approximately
360mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 63%
and air temperatures averaging around
8°C.
Great-Falls 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 Missouri
Area Rivers
Upper Missouri
Snowpack Depths
Upper Missouri
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Upper Missouri
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 3.1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gateway Military - Malmstrom AFB | None | 3,504 ft |
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): 2.6
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.