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Larchwood
Eden Index
Climate
6.6
•
Recreation
2.8
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.6/10
Larchwood, Iowa is a small town located in Lyon County, in the northwest corner of the state. It experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The average high temperatures in summer reach around 85°F (29°C), while winter lows can drop to 10°F (-12°C). Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with an annual average of 30 inches (76 cm), including snowfall during the winter months.
Larchwood is situated near the West Branch of the Rock River, providing opportunities for various hydrology constituents. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy angling for species such as catfish, bass, and walleye. The river also provides a scenic backdrop for canoeing and kayaking adventures.
For outdoor recreation, Larchwood offers multiple options. Gitchie Manitou State Preserve, located just south of town, offers hiking trails through a beautiful natural area with unique geological features. For golf enthusiasts, the Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort boasts an 18-hole championship course. Additionally, Larchwood is surrounded by picturesque countryside, making it an ideal location for biking, birdwatching, and exploring nature.
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): 6.6
Larchwood receives approximately
691mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 82%
and air temperatures averaging around
8°C.
Larchwood has a plant hardyness factor of
4, 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
Big Sioux
Area Rivers
Big Sioux
Snowpack Depths
Big Sioux
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Big Sioux
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 2.8
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.
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.