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Ripplemead
Eden Index
Climate
8.3
•
Recreation
8.0
•
Community
1.8
•
Safeguard
6.6/10
Ripplemead, Virginia is a small unincorporated community located in Giles County, in the southwestern part of the state. The climate in Ripplemead is characterized by mild to warm summers and cool winters. Average temperatures range from the upper 20s°F in winter to the mid-80s°F in summer. The region experiences a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year.
One of the prominent features of Ripplemead is its proximity to the New River, which flows through the community. The New River is known for its clean and clear water, making it a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Anglers can find various fish species, including smallmouth bass, catfish, and sunfish.
Outdoor enthusiasts in Ripplemead can also explore the nearby Jefferson National Forest, which offers miles of hiking trails, camping sites, and opportunities for wildlife observation. The forest is home to diverse flora and fauna, including deer, wild turkey, and black bears.
Overall, Ripplemead, Virginia offers a pleasant climate, a beautiful river, and ample outdoor recreation opportunities, making it a desirable destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
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): 8.3
Ripplemead receives approximately
966mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 81%
and air temperatures averaging around
12°C.
Ripplemead has a plant hardyness factor of
6, 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
Kanawha
Area Rivers
Kanawha
Snowpack Depths
Kanawha
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Kanawha
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 8.0
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bertha - Bluestone WMA | 55 | 1,484 ft | |||
| Gentrys Landing | 80 | 1,527 ft | |||
| Mouth of Indian Creek - Bluestone WMA | 100 | 1,456 ft | |||
| White Rocks | 69 | 2,993 ft | |||
| Cedar Branch - Bluestone WMA | 45 | 1,619 ft | |||
| Claytor Lake State Park | None | 1,935 ft | |||
| Gerald R. Freeman | None | 1,009 ft | |||
| Walnut Flats | 10 | 2,446 ft | |||
| Keatley - Bluestone WMA | 15 | 1,557 ft | |||
| Pilot Mountain State Park | None | 1,267 ft | |||
| Indian Mills - Bluestone WMA | 15 | 1,492 ft | |||
| Shanklins Ferry - Bluestone WMA | 80 | 1,514 ft | |||
| Bishop Knob | 61 | 3,098 ft | |||
| Bakers Run | None | 939 ft | |||
| Gatewood Park | 42 | 2,184 ft | |||
| Bee Run | None | 1,311 ft |
Nearby Fishing
Nearby Ski Areas
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): 1.8
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.