Matheson

Climate Recreation Community Catastrophe

Matheson
Eden Index

Climate 8.1 Recreation Community Safeguard

3.2/10

Matheson, Colorado is a small town located in Elbert County, in the eastern part of the state. The town has a semi-arid climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Summers are typically warm, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit, while winters can be cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing.

In terms of hydrology constituents, Matheson is situated near the eastward-flowing Big Sandy Creek, a tributary of the Arkansas River. The area is mainly characterized by rolling plains, with limited water bodies and vegetation.

Despite its small size, Matheson offers several outdoor recreation opportunities. The surrounding plains provide ample space for activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy angling in nearby streams, including the Big Sandy Creek. The town is also close to several state parks and wildlife areas, offering opportunities for camping, hunting, and exploring nature. The vast open spaces and scenic landscapes make Matheson an attractive destination for visitors seeking a peaceful and serene outdoor experience.

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): 8.1


Matheson receives approximately 413mm of rain per year, with humidity levels near 72% and air temperatures averaging around 9°C. Matheson 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 Arkansas

Area Rivers

Upper Arkansas



Snowpack Depths

Upper Arkansas



Reservoir Storage Capacity

Upper Arkansas



Groundwater Levels


Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI):


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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