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Hotchkiss
Eden Index
Climate
8.9
•
Recreation
4.1
•
Community
1.2
•
Safeguard
5.3/10
Hotchkiss, Colorado is a charming town located in Delta County, nestled in the heart of the picturesque North Fork Valley. The region experiences a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Summers are generally pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the 80s to 90s°F, while winters can be cold, with temperatures dropping into the 20s to 30s°F. Precipitation is relatively low throughout the year, with an average of 12 inches annually, and snowfall is common during the winter months.
Hotchkiss benefits from its hydrology constituents, as it is surrounded by the Gunnison River and several creeks, providing ample water resources for agriculture and outdoor activities. The area is known for its abundant orchards, vineyards, and farms, producing a variety of fruits, vegetables, and award-winning wines.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of recreational opportunities in Hotchkiss. The nearby Grand Mesa National Forest offers activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Gunnison River provides opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and fishing. Additionally, the region boasts numerous trails for mountain biking and horseback riding, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.
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): 8.9
Hotchkiss receives approximately
349mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 50%
and air temperatures averaging around
11°C.
Hotchkiss has a plant hardyness factor of
6, 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
Gunnison
Area Rivers
Gunnison
Snowpack Depths
Gunnison
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Gunnison
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Rim - Gunnison National Park | 13 | 7,752 ft | |||
| East Portal - Curecanti National Rec Area | 15 | 6,557 ft | |||
| Kiser Creek | 12 | 10,112 ft | |||
| Big Creek | 26 | 10,139 ft | |||
| Weir and Johnson | 12 | 10,483 ft | |||
| Crawford State Park | 44 | 6,560 ft | |||
| Bonham Lake City Park | None | 9,861 ft | |||
| Eggleston | 6 | 10,170 ft | |||
| Twin Lake | 13 | 10,395 ft | |||
| South Rim - Gunnison National Park | 88 | 8,365 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): 1.2
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.