-
Snoflo Premium
Get unlimited access to all our content
With no Ad interruptions! - Start Your Free Trial Login with existing account
Leighton
Eden Index
Climate
7.8
•
Recreation
5.1
•
Community
•
Safeguard
4.9/10
Leighton is a small town located in Mahaska County, Iowa. It experiences a humid continental climate characterized by four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping below freezing and occasional snowstorms.
The hydrology constituents in Leighton are primarily influenced by the South Skunk River, which flows nearby. The river provides a water source for the town and supports various aquatic species.
Leighton offers a range of outdoor recreational opportunities. The South Skunk River provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Anglers can expect to catch species such as catfish, bass, and panfish. Additionally, the town is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, making it a great destination for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife photography. Nearby Lake Keomah State Park offers additional outdoor activities including camping, swimming, and picnicking.
Overall, Leighton provides a pleasant climate for outdoor enthusiasts to engage in various recreational activities while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
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
Leighton receives approximately
925mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 83%
and air temperatures averaging around
10°C.
Leighton 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
Des Moines
Area Rivers
Des Moines
Snowpack Depths
Des Moines
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Des Moines
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 5.1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake of the Ozarks Military | None | 768 ft | |||
| Bennett Spring State Park | None | 880 ft | |||
| Thomas Hill Reservoir - Hwy T Campground - MDC | 10 | 753 ft | |||
| Stump Island Park | 12 | 618 ft | |||
| Arrow Rock State Park | 46 | 728 ft | |||
| Maxwell Taylor Park | None | 702 ft | |||
| Versailles City Park | None | 990 ft | |||
| Pilot Grove City Park | None | 845 ft | |||
| Katy Roundhouse Campground | None | 601 ft | |||
| Salisbury City Park | None | 714 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):
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.