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Washington
Eden Index
Climate
8.0
•
Recreation
4.0
•
Community
2.4
•
Safeguard
5.2/10
Washington, Iowa is a charming city located in the southeastern part of the state. The climate in Washington is characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from the mid-80s°F (29°C) during summer to the mid-20s°F (-4°C) in winter. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with an annual average of around 35 inches (89 cm) of rainfall.
Hydrologically, Washington is bisected by the English River, which adds scenic beauty to the area. This river provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, attracting outdoor enthusiasts. The Lake Darling State Park, located just 10 miles north of the city, offers a plethora of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, camping, and hiking. The park's lake is also well-known for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for largemouth bass and crappie.
In addition to the river and state park, Washington boasts several parks and trails for walking, biking, and picnicking. Sunset Park, for instance, provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside and features a disc golf course. The city also holds various community events throughout the year that celebrate the outdoors, such as the Washington County Fair and the Farmers Market. Overall, Washington, Iowa offers a diverse range of outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy amidst its pleasant climate and beautiful hydrology.
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): 8.0
Washington receives approximately
901mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 84%
and air temperatures averaging around
11°C.
Washington 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 Mississippi-Skunk-Wapsipinicon
Area Rivers
Upper Mississippi-Skunk-Wapsipinicon
Snowpack Depths
Upper Mississippi-Skunk-Wapsipinicon
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Upper Mississippi-Skunk-Wapsipinicon
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.0
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lane Spring | 64 | 1,069 ft | |||
| Rising Star | None | 196 ft | |||
| Rollins Ferry Access - MDC | 11 | 568 ft | |||
| Chamois Access - MDC | 4 | 530 ft | |||
| Trulock - Arkansas River | 15 | 195 ft | |||
| Graham Cave State Park | None | 778 ft | |||
| Montauk State Park | None | 910 ft | |||
| Paydown Access - MDC | 6 | 596 ft | |||
| Lakeview Park - Mexico | None | 810 ft | |||
| Akers | None | 818 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): 2.4
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.