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Weskan
Eden Index
Climate
9.2
•
Recreation
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.7/10
Weskan, Kansas is a small town located in Wallace County in the western part of the state. It experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cool winters. Summers are typically hot and dry, with average temperatures reaching the mid-90s Fahrenheit (mid-30s Celsius). Winters are cold, with average temperatures dropping to the mid-20s Fahrenheit (-4 degrees Celsius). Precipitation is low throughout the year, averaging around 18 inches annually, with most falling during the summer months.
The hydrology of Weskan is influenced by its proximity to the Smoky Hill River. The river provides a source of water for irrigation and supports the local agriculture industry. Groundwater also plays a significant role in the area's hydrology, with the Ogallala Aquifer underlying the region.
Outdoor recreation opportunities in Weskan are abundant, especially for nature enthusiasts. The town is surrounded by vast prairies and grasslands, offering opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and wildlife photography. The region is ideal for hunting, with abundant game such as deer, pheasants, and quail. Fishing enthusiasts can head to nearby reservoirs and streams, where they can catch various species of fish, including bass, catfish, and walleye. With its unique climate, hydrology, and recreational offerings, Weskan, Kansas, provides a diverse range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
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): 9.2
Weskan receives approximately
448mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 50%
and air temperatures averaging around
11°C.
Weskan 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
Smoky Hill
Area Rivers
Smoky Hill
Snowpack Depths
Smoky Hill
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Smoky Hill
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI):
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Beach - Bonny Lake State Park | None | 3,705 ft | |||
| Wagon Wheel - Bonny Lake State Park | 87 | 3,691 ft | |||
| St. Francis City Campground | None | 3,377 ft | |||
| North Cove - Bonny Lake State Park | 21 | 3,704 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.