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Sun-Valley
Eden Index
Climate
6.9
•
Recreation
6.3
•
Community
•
Safeguard
5.0/10
Sun Valley, Idaho is an enchanting mountain town located in central Idaho, renowned for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a favorable climate. The region experiences a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and dry, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. Winters are cold and snowy, making Sun Valley a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
Hydrologically, the area is defined by the Big Wood River, which meanders through the valley, providing stunning vistas and outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and rafting. The river is fed by melting snow from the surrounding mountains, ensuring a consistent flow throughout the year.
Outdoor recreation opportunities abound in Sun Valley. In the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, golfing, and horseback riding amidst the breathtaking Sawtooth Mountains. Winter brings unparalleled skiing and snowboarding experiences on the Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain ski resorts. Sun Valley also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with galleries, theaters, and music festivals for cultural enthusiasts.
In conclusion, Sun Valley, Idaho offers a picturesque mountain landscape, a favorable climate, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers year-round.
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): 6.9
Sun-Valley receives approximately
589mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 63%
and air temperatures averaging around
4°C.
Sun-Valley 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
Upper Snake
Area Rivers
Upper Snake
Snowpack Depths
Upper Snake
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Upper Snake
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 6.3
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Creek | 5 | 6,722 ft | |||
| Park Creek | 13 | 7,669 ft | |||
| Phi Kappa | 21 | 7,451 ft | |||
| Myrtle Point - Magic Reservoir | None | 4,797 ft | |||
| Little Wood River - USBR | None | 5,270 ft | |||
| Boundary | 17 | 6,099 ft | |||
| Wildhorse | 13 | 7,355 ft | |||
| Lava Point - Magic Reservoir | None | 4,801 ft | |||
| Magic Reservoir | None | 4,781 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.