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West-Branch
Eden Index
Climate
6.5
•
Recreation
2.8
•
Community
2.5
•
Safeguard
4.2/10
West Branch, Michigan is a charming city located in Ogemaw County, in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula. The area experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from 19°F (-7°C) in January to 79°F (26°C) in July. West Branch receives approximately 39 inches of annual precipitation, evenly distributed throughout the year.
The city is blessed with a diverse hydrology network, boasting several beautiful lakes and rivers. The Rifle River and its tributaries provide excellent opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The nearby Clear Lake and Rifle Lake are popular for boating, swimming, and picnicking. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the surrounding Huron National Forest, which offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as camping and hunting opportunities.
Additionally, West Branch is home to several parks and recreational areas, including Irons Park and Tolfree Foundation Park, where visitors can enjoy playgrounds, sports fields, and walking paths. With its inviting climate, abundant water resources, and diverse outdoor activities, West Branch is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
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): 6.5
West-Branch receives approximately
790mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 84%
and air temperatures averaging around
7°C.
West-Branch 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
Southwestern Lake Huron
Area Rivers
Southwestern Lake Huron
Snowpack Depths
Southwestern Lake Huron
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Southwestern Lake Huron
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeTour - Lake Superior State Forest | 21 | 592 ft | |||
| Portage Lake - Waterloo State Rec Area | None | 977 ft | |||
| Green Lake - Waterloo State Rec Area | None | 959 ft | |||
| Munuscong River - State Forest | 50 | 596 ft | |||
| Stoney Creek Trail Camp - State Forest | 10 | 767 ft | |||
| Cheboygan State Park | 75 | 590 ft | |||
| Black Lake Trail Camp - Mackinaw State Forest | 50 | 696 ft | |||
| Onaway State Park | 100 | 700 ft | |||
| Twin Lakes - State Forest | 12 | 759 ft | |||
| Sugarloaf Lake - Waterloo State Rec Area | None | 961 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): 2.5
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.