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Mackay
Eden Index
Climate
6.0
•
Recreation
4.4
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.9/10
Mackay, Idaho is a small town located in Custer County, surrounded by picturesque mountains, including the Lost River Range and White Knob Mountains. The climate in Mackay is classified as a semi-arid continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from the 20s °F (-6 °C) in winter to the 80s °F (27 °C) in summer. The region receives around 18 inches (46 cm) of precipitation annually, with most of it occurring during the spring and early summer months.
Mackay is known for its abundant hydrology constituents, with several rivers and creeks flowing through the area. The Big Lost River, Little Lost River, and Birch Creek provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking. These waterways are home to various fish species, including trout, salmon, and steelhead.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find numerous recreation opportunities in Mackay. The area is renowned for its hiking trails, with options ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes. Popular destinations include Borah Peak, the highest point in Idaho, and the stunning Mackay Reservoir. Additionally, the nearby Challis National Forest offers opportunities for camping, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Whether you enjoy fishing, hiking, or simply immersing yourself in nature's beauty, Mackay offers a wealth of outdoor activities for all.
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): 6.0
Mackay receives approximately
263mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 74%
and air temperatures averaging around
5°C.
Mackay 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
Upper Snake
Area Rivers
Upper Snake
Snowpack Depths
Upper Snake
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Upper Snake
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.4
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fish Creek Reservoir | None | 5,293 ft | |||
| Mackay Tourist Park | None | 5,897 ft | |||
| Iron Bog | 24 | 7,164 ft | |||
| Joe T. Fallini - Mackay Reservoir | None | 6,084 ft | |||
| Lava Flow - Craters of the Moon National Mon | None | 5,855 ft | |||
| Star Hope | 27 | 7,900 ft | |||
| Mackay Reservoir Access Area - IFG | None | 6,088 ft | |||
| Joseph T. Fallini | 22 | 6,084 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.