Kittitas

Climate Recreation Community Catastrophe

Kittitas
Eden Index

Climate 6.3 Recreation 2.9 Community 2.2 Safeguard

4.1/10

Kittitas is a small town located in Kittitas County, Washington. The region experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summers are typically dry and sunny, with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Winters, on the other hand, can be quite chilly, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall.

The hydrology constituents of Kittitas primarily revolve around the Yakima River, which flows through the area. The river provides a vital water source for agricultural activities and supports various aquatic species. Additionally, the region is home to several smaller streams and creeks that contribute to the local hydrology.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of recreational opportunities in Kittitas. The area is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the Kittitas Valley to the east and the Cascade Mountains to the west. Hiking, camping, and fishing are popular activities, with numerous trails, campsites, and fishing spots available. The nearby Snoqualmie National Forest provides further opportunities for outdoor adventures, such as trail biking, wildlife viewing, and cross-country skiing during the winter months.

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): 6.3


Kittitas receives approximately 243mm of rain per year, with humidity levels near 86% and air temperatures averaging around 9°C. Kittitas 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

Yakima

Area Rivers

Yakima



Snowpack Depths

Yakima



Reservoir Storage Capacity

Yakima



Groundwater Levels


Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 2.9


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.


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): 2.2


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.


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