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Powderhorn
Eden Index
Climate
6.2
•
Recreation
4.8
•
Community
•
Safeguard
4.1/10
Powderhorn, Colorado, is located in the western part of the state, nestled in the Grand Mesa region. It experiences a typical high-altitude climate, characterized by cool summers and cold winters. Summers are pleasant with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. Winters bring heavy snowfall, making it a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Average temperatures during winter range from the teens to low 30s Fahrenheit.
Hydrologically, Powderhorn benefits from the melting snowpack, which feeds into the surrounding rivers and streams. These waters provide excellent opportunities for fishing, particularly for trout species. The nearby Gunnison River is renowned for its gold medal fishing.
Outdoor recreation opportunities in Powderhorn are abundant. The Powderhorn Mountain Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling during the winter months. In the summer, visitors can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and scenic chairlift rides. The Grand Mesa National Forest, encompassing Powderhorn, provides opportunities for camping, hunting, fishing, and nature exploration.
Powderhorn's climate, hydrology, and diverse outdoor recreational activities make it an attractive destination for both winter and summer enthusiasts.
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): 6.2
Powderhorn receives approximately
359mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 58%
and air temperatures averaging around
4°C.
Powderhorn 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
Gunnison
Area Rivers
Gunnison
Snowpack Depths
Gunnison
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Gunnison
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.8
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.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Irwin | 32 | 10,400 ft | |||
| Lost Lake | 19 | 9,621 ft | |||
| Ponderosa - Curecanti Area | 20 | 7,598 ft | |||
| Stevens Creek - Curecanti Recreation Area | 54 | 7,540 ft | |||
| Gothic | 4 | 9,657 ft | |||
| Red Creek - Curecanti Area | 7 | 7,580 ft | |||
| Palisades Senior RV Park | 59 | 7,680 ft | |||
| Erickson Springs | 18 | 6,830 ft | |||
| Dry Gulch - Curecanti Area | 10 | 7,583 ft | |||
| Soap Creek | 21 | 7,717 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.