Malcom

Climate Recreation Community Catastrophe

Malcom
Eden Index

Climate 7.4 Recreation 3.1 Community Safeguard

4.0/10

Malcom, Iowa is a small town located in Poweshiek County. It experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by hot and humid summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from around 20°F (-7°C) in winter to 85°F (29°C) in summer, with precipitation distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

In terms of hydrology constituents, Malcom is part of the Skunk River watershed. The town is not directly situated on a major river but is surrounded by agricultural fields and small creeks that contribute to the local hydrology. The Skunk River itself provides opportunities for activities like fishing, boating, and wildlife observation, although it is not immediately adjacent to Malcom.

Outdoor recreation opportunities in Malcom include nearby parks and nature areas. Diamond Lake Park, located about 10 miles east of the town, offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities. Oakland Mills Park, around 15 miles northwest of Malcom, features a 2,200-acre wildlife area, camping sites, and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Overall, Malcom, Iowa provides residents and visitors with access to a range of outdoor activities that allow them to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

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): 7.4


Malcom receives approximately 909mm of rain per year, with humidity levels near 83% and air temperatures averaging around 9°C. Malcom 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

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Area Rivers

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Snowpack Depths

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Reservoir Storage Capacity

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Groundwater Levels


Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 3.1


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.


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.


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