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Somerset
Eden Index
Climate
8.0
•
Recreation
6.4
•
Community
•
Safeguard
5.4/10
Somerset is a small unincorporated community located in Gunnison County, Colorado. Situated at an elevation of approximately 6,500 feet, the town experiences a semi-arid climate characterized by mild summers and cold winters. Summers are generally warm with average temperatures ranging from the 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, while winters are cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall.
The town is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains and offers various outdoor recreation opportunities. The nearby West Elk Mountains provide ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Fishing enthusiasts can explore the nearby Coal Creek, which is known for its trout population. Additionally, the region is dotted with scenic trails for horseback riding and mountain biking.
When it comes to hydrology constituents, Somerset is located near the North Fork of the Gunnison River, which meanders through the area. The river and its tributaries offer opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
Overall, Somerset's climate and geographical location make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore the scenic landscapes and engage in various recreational activities.
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): 8.0
Somerset receives approximately
514mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 56%
and air temperatures averaging around
7°C.
Somerset 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
Gunnison
Area Rivers
Gunnison
Snowpack Depths
Gunnison
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Gunnison
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 6.4
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Creek - Curecanti Area | 7 | 7,580 ft | |||
| Dry Gulch - Curecanti Area | 10 | 7,583 ft | |||
| Cimarron - Curecanti National Rec Area | 22 | 6,906 ft | |||
| McClure | 8 | 8,187 ft | |||
| Ponderosa - Curecanti Area | 20 | 7,598 ft | |||
| Erickson Springs | 18 | 6,830 ft | |||
| Bogan Flats | 36 | 7,609 ft | |||
| Soap Creek | 21 | 7,717 ft | |||
| Lost Lake | 19 | 9,621 ft | |||
| Paonia State Park | 13 | 6,467 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.