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Sparks
Eden Index
Climate
8.3
•
Recreation
1.1
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.7/10
Sparks, Nebraska is a small town located in the heart of the Great Plains region. The climate in Sparks is classified as a humid continental climate, with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to high 80s Fahrenheit. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping to the teens and occasional sub-zero temperatures.
Hydrologically, Sparks is situated near the Loup River, providing a vital water source for the town and its surrounding areas. The river supports various aquatic species and offers recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. Additionally, several smaller creeks and streams flow through the town, contributing to the local hydrology.
Outdoor recreation enthusiasts can enjoy numerous activities in Sparks. The town is surrounded by vast prairies and agricultural fields, making it an ideal destination for hiking, birdwatching, and nature walks. The nearby Loup River also provides opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. During the winter months, residents and visitors can partake in ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
In conclusion, Sparks, Nebraska offers a typical Great Plains climate with distinct seasons, relies on the Loup River for hydrological needs, and provides various outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year.
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
Sparks receives approximately
540mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 72%
and air temperatures averaging around
9°C.
Sparks has a plant hardyness factor of
4, 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
Niobrara
Area Rivers
Niobrara
Snowpack Depths
Niobrara
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Niobrara
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 1.1
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.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitetail | 21 | 2,703 ft | |||
| Long Lake State Rec Area | None | 2,723 ft | |||
| Bessey Rec Area | 50 | 2,708 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.