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Independence
Eden Index
Climate
8.2
•
Recreation
4.9
•
Community
2.1
•
Safeguard
5.5/10
Independence, California is a small town located in the Owens Valley of the Eastern Sierra region. The town experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures can reach highs in the mid-90s Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can dip below freezing. The region receives minimal rainfall throughout the year, with most precipitation occurring during the winter months.
The hydrology constituents of Independence are primarily influenced by the nearby Owens River and the surrounding mountains. The town relies on the Owens River for its water supply, which is sourced from the snowmelt in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This water supports the local agriculture and provides opportunities for recreational activities such as fishing and boating.
Outdoor recreation opportunities in Independence are abundant. The town serves as a gateway to the stunning Eastern Sierra landscapes, offering access to the nearby Inyo National Forest and the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Hiking, camping, fishing, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing are popular activities in this area. Additionally, the nearby Manzanar National Historic Site provides a glimpse into the history of Japanese internment during World War II. Overall, Independence offers a unique outdoor experience with its diverse landscapes and recreational opportunities.
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): 8.2
Independence receives approximately
150mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 36%
and air temperatures averaging around
16°C.
Independence has a plant hardyness factor of
8, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region tend to thrive here all year round.
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
Mono-Owens Lakes
Area Rivers
Mono-Owens Lakes
Snowpack Depths
Mono-Owens Lakes
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Mono-Owens Lakes
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symmes Creek | None | 5,143 ft | |||
| Independence Creek | 25 | 4,038 ft | |||
| Tuttle Creek | 85 | 5,124 ft | |||
| Grays Meadow | 52 | 5,852 ft | |||
| Onion Valley | 30 | 9,183 ft | |||
| Alabama Hills Dispersed | None | 4,603 ft | |||
| Portagee Joe | 15 | 3,780 ft | |||
| Lone Pine | 42 | 5,866 ft | |||
| Diaz Lake | 200 | 3,683 ft | |||
| Whitney Portal | 43 | 7,928 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): 2.1
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.