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Virginia-Dale
Eden Index
Climate
7.5
•
Recreation
6.4
•
Community
•
Safeguard
5.3/10
Virginia Dale is a small unincorporated community located in Larimer County, Colorado. Situated in the lower foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the area experiences a semi-arid climate with mild summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from the mid-20s °F in winter to the mid-80s °F in summer. Precipitation is relatively low, averaging around 15 inches per year, with most of it occurring as snowfall during the winter months.
Hydrologically, Virginia Dale is part of the South Platte River basin. The area is surrounded by scenic landscapes, including rolling hills, grasslands, and dense forests. Outdoor recreation enthusiasts can explore numerous opportunities in the vicinity. The nearby Roosevelt National Forest offers hiking and camping opportunities, with several trails that showcase the area's natural beauty. The Poudre River, a popular spot for fishing and rafting, is also within reach.
Overall, Virginia Dale's climate, hydrology constituents, and outdoor recreational opportunities make it an attractive destination for those seeking a tranquil and picturesque experience in the heart of Colorado's natural wonders.
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): 7.5
Virginia-Dale receives approximately
438mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 61%
and air temperatures averaging around
7°C.
Virginia-Dale 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): 6.4
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meadow Park | None | 5,349 ft | |||
| Olive Ridge | 56 | 8,361 ft | |||
| Glacier Basin - Rocky Mountain National Park | 150 | 8,604 ft | |||
| Pawnee | 55 | 10,354 ft | |||
| Hermit Park Open Space | None | 8,313 ft | |||
| Meeker Park Overflow | 29 | 8,611 ft | |||
| Longs Peak - Rocky Mountain National Park | 26 | 9,397 ft | |||
| Carter Lake - South Side Campgrounds | None | 5,711 ft | |||
| Camp Dick | 41 | 8,716 ft | |||
| Peaceful Valley | 17 | 8,552 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):
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.