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Ruffs-Dale
Eden Index
Climate
8.2
•
Recreation
2.8
•
Community
2.8
•
Safeguard
4.9/10
Ruffs-Dale, Pennsylvania is a small unincorporated community located in East Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County. Situated in the southwestern region of the state, Ruffs-Dale experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold with occasional snowfall. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and colorful foliage, making them ideal seasons for outdoor activities.
Regarding hydrology constituents, Ruffs-Dale is not directly situated on a major river or water body. However, it is surrounded by several small creeks and streams that contribute to the overall hydrological network of the region. These water sources are important for the local ecosystem and provide opportunities for fishing and other water-based activities.
In terms of outdoor recreation, Ruffs-Dale is nestled in a picturesque rural area, offering numerous options for outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby Laurel Highlands region boasts an array of opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. Additionally, there are several state parks, such as Laurel Hill State Park and Ohiopyle State Park, within a short drive, offering activities like boating, swimming, and biking. Ruffs-Dale residents and visitors can also explore the various golf courses, hunting grounds, and equestrian trails that the area has to offer.
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): 8.2
Ruffs-Dale receives approximately
1045mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 83%
and air temperatures averaging around
11°C.
Ruffs-Dale 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
Monongahela
Area Rivers
Monongahela
Snowpack Depths
Monongahela
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Monongahela
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 2.8
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swallow Falls State Park | 65 | 2,418 ft | |||
| Crooked Creek Recreation Area | None | 969 ft | |||
| Coopers Rock State Forest | None | 2,154 ft | |||
| Blackwater Falls State Park | None | 3,112 ft | |||
| Kentuck - Ohiopyle State Park | 200 | 1,558 ft | |||
| Chestnut Ridge Regional Park | None | 2,268 ft | |||
| Bush | None | 957 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): 2.8
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.