Watkins

Climate Recreation Community Catastrophe

Watkins
Eden Index

Climate 7.5 Recreation 2.8 Community Safeguard

4.0/10

Watkins, Iowa is a small town located in Benton County in the Midwestern region of the United States. The climate in Watkins is characterized by warm summers and cold winters, typical of a humid continental climate. Average high temperatures range from around 30°F (-1°C) in winter to approximately 85°F (29°C) in summer, with precipitation distributed throughout the year.

Hydrologically, Watkins is surrounded by diverse water bodies. The Cedar River flows nearby, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-related activities. In addition, local lakes and ponds offer opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and wildlife observation.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find various recreational opportunities in Watkins. The town boasts several parks and green spaces, providing residents and visitors with places for picnicking, hiking, and sports activities. The nearby Cedar Valley Nature Trail offers a chance to explore the beautiful countryside on foot, bike, or horseback. For those interested in golf, the Vinton Country Club is a short drive away, offering a challenging course amid picturesque surroundings.

Overall, Watkins, Iowa offers a moderate climate, abundant water resources, and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy throughout the year.

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


Watkins receives approximately 898mm of rain per year, with humidity levels near 83% and air temperatures averaging around 10°C. Watkins 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

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Area Rivers

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Snowpack Depths

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Reservoir Storage Capacity

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Groundwater Levels


Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 2.8


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
Amnicon Falls 35 833 ft
Brinton Timber None 721 ft
Chamois Access - MDC 4 530 ft
Heritage City Park 18 1,439 ft
Hannen County Park 90 817 ft
Piney River Military - Fort Leonard Wood None 768 ft
Glen Hills County Park 61 1,183 ft
Bentonsport None 561 ft
Downing County Park None 1,028 ft
Howell Landing - St. Croix National Scenic River None 950 ft
Reicks Lake Park None 670 ft
Waubonsie Trail Park 7 784 ft
Lake Iowa County Park 122 892 ft
Whiteface Reservoir 58 1,489 ft
Minne Estema Park 30 870 ft
Fontana County Park 55 986 ft
Paddy Creek 36 1,008 ft
Manhattan Bridge Access None 644 ft
Temperance State Park 52 1,679 ft
Cadotte Lake 27 1,657 ft
Pleasant Creek State Rec Area 69 846 ft
Gouldsburg County Park 26 993 ft
Chicog Town Park None 1,010 ft
Lake Darling State Park 118 688 ft
Sever Lake Conservation Area - MDC 84 736 ft
Sycamore Loop Dispersed - Noblett Lake None 905 ft
Wildcat Bluff County Park 50 774 ft
Milroy Access 95 783 ft
Fishermans Point City Campground 70 1,441 ft
Birch Lake 30 1,442 ft
Pine Ridge 8 770 ft
Namekagon Trail Bridge - St. Croix National Scenic River None 933 ft
Totogatic Park 75 1,025 ft
Siggelkov County Park None 945 ft
Goeken Co Park None 1,181 ft
Benton City - Fry Area 25 843 ft
Middle Amana Park 24 742 ft
Bear Head Lake State Park 75 1,523 ft
Paydown Access - MDC 6 596 ft
Lacey - Keosauqua State Park 113 744 ft
Rodgers County Park 50 832 ft
Klocks Island Park 25 1,012 ft
Shell Lake Municipal Park 42 1,224 ft
Skunk River Access None 630 ft
Turtle Lake City Park 18 1,265 ft
Austin County Park None 578 ft
Gordon Dam None 1,023 ft
Duttons Cave Co Park 5 1,218 ft
Indian Lake - Cloquet Valley State Forest 26 1,526 ft
Jordan - Norfolk Lake None 683 ft
Three Elms County Park None 929 ft
Blanchard Springs 254 638 ft
Georges Cove - Norfolk Lake None 633 ft
Cutshall Area None 921 ft
Fenske Lake 20 1,507 ft
Maynard City Park None 1,092 ft
Pioneer Park - Prairie Farm 30 1,028 ft
Dry Fork 18 763 ft
Hoefle - Dulin Area County Park 16 774 ft
Lane Spring 64 1,069 ft
Trego Town Park 50 1,060 ft
Lucius Woods County Park 24 1,110 ft
Mark Twain State Park None 666 ft
Rollins Ferry Access - MDC 11 568 ft
Lake Sugema County Park None 741 ft
Belva - Deer Rec Area 56 828 ft
Independence City RV Park None 896 ft
Twin Bridges County Park 45 1,051 ft
Earl Landing - St. Croix National Scenic River 12 1,074 ft
North Woods Park None 1,080 ft
Round Prairie Park None 723 ft
John Latsch State Park 7 670 ft
Lakeview Park - Mexico None 810 ft
McFarlane Park None 804 ft
Oelwein City Park 30 1,013 ft
Shelbina Lake City Park None 722 ft
Veterans Memorial County Park None 898 ft
Lime Creek Park - Brandon None 858 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.


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