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Sun-River
Eden Index
Climate
7.3
•
Recreation
1.9
•
Community
2.3
•
Safeguard
4.1/10
Sun River is a charming town located in Cascade County, Montana. Known for its scenic beauty and abundant outdoor activities, Sun River attracts nature enthusiasts from all over. The town experiences a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Summers are mild to hot, with temperatures averaging in the 70s and occasionally reaching the 90s. Winters are cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and heavy snowfall.
The town is nestled along the Sun River, which is a prominent hydrological feature. The river is fed by melting mountain snow and offers various water-based recreational opportunities like fishing, kayaking, and rafting. It is home to a diverse range of fish species, including trout, whitefish, and pike.
Sun River is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex presents opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The region is also well-known for its excellent hunting grounds, with deer, elk, and upland birds being popular game species. Additionally, the surrounding mountains provide ample opportunities for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing during the winter months.
In summary, Sun River offers a picturesque setting with a continental climate, diverse hydrology, and a plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors and locals alike.
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): 7.3
Sun-River receives approximately
322mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 63%
and air temperatures averaging around
8°C.
Sun-River 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
Upper Missouri
Area Rivers
Upper Missouri
Snowpack Depths
Upper Missouri
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Upper Missouri
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 1.9
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Legion/Lions Park - Cascade | None | 3,411 ft | |||
| Stickney Creek FAS | None | 3,441 ft | |||
| Mountain Palace FAS | None | 3,415 ft | |||
| Craig FAS | 11 | 3,451 ft | |||
| Mid Canon FAS | 5 | 3,427 ft | |||
| Prewett Creek FAS | 7 | 3,398 ft | |||
| Spite Hill FAS | None | 3,440 ft | |||
| Dearborn FAS | None | 3,487 ft | |||
| Wolf Creek Bridge FAS | 5 | 3,478 ft | |||
| Fairfield City Park | None | 3,979 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): 2.3
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.