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Wahkiacus
Eden Index
Climate
7.4
•
Recreation
7.0
•
Community
0.9
•
Safeguard
5.6/10
Wahkiacus is a small unincorporated community located in Klickitat County, Washington. Situated in the Columbia River Gorge, this area offers a unique climate and landscape. The climate in Wahkiacus is classified as a cool-summer Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The area experiences less rainfall compared to the western parts of Washington, with an annual average of around 12 inches.
Hydrologically, Wahkiacus is influenced by the nearby Columbia River and its tributaries. The region is known for its scenic waterfalls, including the popular Wah Gwin Gwin Falls. The area is also rich in natural springs and streams, making it a picturesque location for outdoor enthusiasts.
Outdoor recreation opportunities in Wahkiacus are abundant. The area provides opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, and fishing. Nearby parks and natural areas, such as the Catherine Creek State Park and the Klickitat State Wildlife Recreation Area, offer stunning views and diverse ecosystems to explore. The Columbia River is also a popular spot for water activities such as boating, windsurfing, and kayaking. With its distinct climate, beautiful hydrology features, and various recreational opportunities, Wahkiacus is a destination that offers a unique outdoor experience.
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): 7.4
Wahkiacus receives approximately
670mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 82%
and air temperatures averaging around
9°C.
Wahkiacus has a plant hardyness factor of
7, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region tend to thrive during the non-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
Middle Columbia
Area Rivers
Middle Columbia
Snowpack Depths
Middle Columbia
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Middle Columbia
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 7.0
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memaloose State Park | None | 90 ft | |||
| Celilo | 20 | 177 ft | |||
| Columbia Hills (Horsethief Lake) State Park | None | 166 ft | |||
| Turkey Hole - WDFW | None | 256 ft | |||
| Bird Creek - State Forest | 9 | 2,593 ft | |||
| Mineral Springs - WDFW | None | 502 ft | |||
| Stimpson Flats - WDFW | None | 798 ft | |||
| Leidl South - WDFW | None | 879 ft | |||
| Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge | None | 176 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): 0.9
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.