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Union-Gap
Eden Index
Climate
8.5
•
Recreation
5.6
•
Community
3.0
•
Safeguard
6.1/10
Union Gap is a small city located in Yakima County, Washington. It experiences a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Summers are long and sunny, with temperatures reaching the mid-80s (Fahrenheit), while winters are relatively mild with temperatures averaging in the mid-30s to mid-40s.
The hydrology constituents in Union Gap are primarily influenced by the nearby Yakima River. The river is a vital water source for the region and supports a variety of aquatic species. Additionally, there are several creeks and irrigation canals in the area that contribute to the local hydrological system.
Outdoor recreation opportunities in Union Gap are plentiful. The city is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including the nearby Cascade Mountains, offering numerous activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The Yakima River provides opportunities for boating, kayaking, and rafting. Wildlife enthusiasts can explore the Yakima Area Arboretum, which is home to a diverse range of native plants and animals. Additionally, Union Gap is close to several wineries and vineyards, allowing visitors to indulge in wine tasting and scenic tours.
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): 8.5
Union-Gap receives approximately
236mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 72%
and air temperatures averaging around
10°C.
Union-Gap has a plant hardyness factor of
6, 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
Yakima
Area Rivers
Yakima
Snowpack Depths
Yakima
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Yakima
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 5.6
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Umtanum - Yakima River Canyon | None | 1,386 ft | |||
| Roza - Yakima River Canyon | None | 1,248 ft | |||
| Fiorito Ponds - WDFW | None | 1,435 ft | |||
| Big Pines - Yakima River Canyon | None | 1,258 ft | |||
| Lmuma Creek - Yakima River Canyon | None | 1,274 ft | |||
| Yakima Sportsman State Park | None | 1,005 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): 3.0
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.