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Sumas
Eden Index
Climate
8.8
•
Recreation
1.6
•
Community
•
Safeguard
4.1/10
Sumas, Washington is a small town located in Whatcom County, near the Canadian border. The climate in Sumas is classified as a temperate rainforest, with mild summers and cool, wet winters. The average annual rainfall is around 60 inches, making it one of the wettest areas in the state. The climate is influenced by the nearby Cascade Range, which blocks some of the rainfall, resulting in a rain shadow effect.
Hydrology constituents in Sumas are dominated by the Nooksack River, which flows through the town. The river serves as a vital water source for agriculture and supports various fish species, including salmon. Sumas Lake, which used to be a prominent feature in the area, was drained in the early 20th century for agricultural purposes.
Outdoor recreation opportunities in Sumas are abundant. The region offers access to the beautiful and rugged North Cascades National Park, where visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The Nooksack River provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and rafting. There are also several parks and trails in and around Sumas, such as Sumas Mountain Regional Park, offering scenic views, biking, and horseback riding. With its stunning natural surroundings, Sumas provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy the area's unique climate and hydrology constituents.
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): 8.8
Sumas receives approximately
1498mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 74%
and air temperatures averaging around
11°C.
Sumas has a plant hardyness factor of
8, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region tend to thrive here all year round.
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
Puget Sound
Area Rivers
Puget Sound
Snowpack Depths
Puget Sound
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Puget Sound
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 1.6
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maple Bay - Cultus Lake Provincial Park | 106 | 231 ft |
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):
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.