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Thornton
Eden Index
Climate
8.8
•
Recreation
4.5
•
Community
2.6
•
Safeguard
5.7/10
Thornton, Colorado is a vibrant city located in Adams County, just north of Denver. The city experiences a semi-arid climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Summers are typically dry, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit, while winters can be chilly with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Thornton receives around 15 inches of precipitation annually, with most of it occurring during the spring and summer months.
Hydrologically, Thornton is part of the South Platte River basin, with the South Platte River flowing nearby. The city's water supply primarily comes from underground aquifers, which are replenished by surface water and snowmelt from the nearby Rocky Mountains.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for recreation in Thornton. The city boasts numerous parks and open spaces, offering activities like hiking, biking, and picnicking. Thornton also has several golf courses and sports fields for those who enjoy outdoor sports. Additionally, the nearby Rocky Mountains provide opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking in the beautiful Colorado wilderness. Overall, Thornton offers a picturesque environment for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a wide range of recreational activities.
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
Thornton receives approximately
357mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 50%
and air temperatures averaging around
11°C.
Thornton 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
South Platte
Area Rivers
South Platte
Snowpack Depths
South Platte
Reservoir Storage Capacity
South Platte
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.5
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devils Head | 21 | 8,856 ft | |||
| South Meadows | 64 | 7,897 ft | |||
| Flat Rocks | 19 | 8,245 ft | |||
| Cherry Creek State Park | 102 | 5,646 ft | |||
| Painted Rocks | 18 | 7,836 ft | |||
| Colorado | 81 | 7,806 ft | |||
| Chatfield State Park | 193 | 5,494 ft | |||
| Standley Lake | None | 5,530 ft | |||
| Indian Creek | 11 | 7,562 ft | |||
| Jackson Creek | 9 | 8,179 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): 2.6
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.