South-Fork

Climate Recreation Community Catastrophe

South-Fork
Eden Index

Climate 6.1 Recreation 6.1 Community Safeguard

4.6/10

South Fork, Colorado, is a small town nestled in the scenic San Juan Mountains. Known for its stunning natural beauty and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, South Fork has a vibrant climate and hydrology system.

South Fork enjoys a semi-arid climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The average high temperature in summer is around 80°F, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. Precipitation is limited, with an average annual rainfall of around 10 inches and snowfall of about 50 inches.

The town is surrounded by pristine rivers and lakes, making it a paradise for avid anglers. The Rio Grande River flows through South Fork, offering excellent opportunities for trout fishing. The nearby Rio Grande National Forest provides countless trails for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy activities such as camping, horseback riding, and off-roading in the surrounding mountains.

In addition to outdoor activities, South Fork hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including music concerts, art shows, and rodeos. The town's charming atmosphere, coupled with its stunning natural surroundings, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking adventure and relaxation in the heart of Colorado.

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): 6.1


South-Fork receives approximately 342mm of rain per year, with humidity levels near 69% and air temperatures averaging around 4°C. South-Fork 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

Rio Grande Headwaters

Area Rivers

Rio Grande Headwaters



Snowpack Depths

Rio Grande Headwaters



Reservoir Storage Capacity

Rio Grande Headwaters



Groundwater Levels


Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 6.1


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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