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Lake-Mc-Donald
Eden Index
Climate
7.8
•
Recreation
3.6
•
Community
•
Safeguard
4.4/10
Lake McDonald is a picturesque lake located in Glacier National Park, Montana. It spans approximately 10 miles in length and is surrounded by stunning mountain vistas. The region experiences a cool and temperate climate, with mild summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from 20°F (-6.7°C) in winter to 70°F (21°C) in summer, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.
The lake is fed by numerous streams and snowmelt from the surrounding mountains. Its crystal-clear waters are rich in hydrology constituents such as dissolved oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus. These contribute to the lake's diverse ecosystem, supporting a variety of aquatic life, including trout and other fish species.
Outdoor recreation opportunities abound at Lake McDonald. Visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the lake's calm waters. The area is also a hiker's paradise, with numerous trails offering breathtaking views and opportunities to spot wildlife. Camping, picnicking, and fishing are popular activities as well. In the winter, the frozen lake provides an excellent setting for ice skating and cross-country skiing. Lake McDonald truly offers something for everyone, combining natural beauty with a multitude of outdoor activities.
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): 7.8
Lake-Mc-Donald receives approximately
724mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 69%
and air temperatures averaging around
6°C.
Lake-Mc-Donald 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
Pend Oreille
Area Rivers
Pend Oreille
Snowpack Depths
Pend Oreille
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Pend Oreille
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 3.6
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalanche Creek - Glacier National Park | 90 | 3,412 ft | |||
| Fish Creek - Glacier National Park | 180 | 3,225 ft | |||
| Lid Creek | 30 | 3,581 ft | |||
| Lost Johnny Point | 30 | 3,576 ft | |||
| Many Glacier - Glacier National Park | None | 4,917 ft | |||
| Lost Johnny | 5 | 3,562 ft | |||
| Emery Bay | 26 | 3,608 ft | |||
| Murray Bay | 18 | 3,582 ft | |||
| Crandell Mt - Waterton Lakes National Park | 30 | 4,569 ft | |||
| Sprague Creek - Glacier National Park | 25 | 3,169 ft |
Nearby Ski Areas
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.