Howard

Climate Recreation Community Catastrophe

Howard
Eden Index

Climate 7.4 Recreation 5.0 Community Safeguard

4.7/10

Howard, Colorado is a small town located in the western part of the state, nestled in the picturesque Arkansas River Valley. The town enjoys a pleasant climate with warm summers and mild winters. Summers are characterized by sunny days and temperatures averaging in the mid-80s Fahrenheit, while winters see temperatures hovering around the mid-40s, occasionally dropping below freezing. The area receives around 15 inches of precipitation annually, with most of it falling as snow during the winter months.

The town of Howard is blessed with abundant hydrological features, thanks to its proximity to the Arkansas River. The river provides ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and rafting, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Additionally, there are several nearby lakes and reservoirs, including the nearby Big Horn Sheep Canyon, where visitors can enjoy water-based activities or simply relax by the shores.

Outdoor recreation opportunities in Howard are plentiful. The surrounding area boasts numerous hiking and biking trails, offering stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Camping, horseback riding, and wildlife watching are also popular activities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Whether it's exploring the river, hiking through the mountains, or simply enjoying the fresh air, Howard provides a wide range of outdoor experiences for all nature enthusiasts.

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): 7.4


Howard receives approximately 237mm of rain per year, with humidity levels near 74% and air temperatures averaging around 8°C. Howard has a plant hardyness factor of 5, 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 Arkansas

Area Rivers

Upper Arkansas



Snowpack Depths

Upper Arkansas



Reservoir Storage Capacity

Upper Arkansas



Groundwater Levels


Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 5.0


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.


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.


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