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West-Glacier
Eden Index
Climate
7.0
•
Recreation
6.1
•
Community
•
Safeguard
4.9/10
Located in the northwest corner of Montana, West Glacier is a stunning destination known for its breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The climate in West Glacier is classified as a humid continental climate, characterized by cold winters and mild summers. Average temperatures range from the low 20s (-6°C) in winter to the mid-70s (24°C) in summer. The region experiences abundant precipitation, making it ideal for the formation of numerous lakes, rivers, and streams.
Hydrologically, West Glacier is home to the headwaters of several important rivers, including the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. These waterways provide ample opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and rafting. The mesmerizing turquoise hues of Lake McDonald and the pristine waters of Bowman and Kintla Lakes are perfect for boating and swimming.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in West Glacier, as it serves as the gateway to Glacier National Park. Hiking trails crisscross the park, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and alpine lakes such as Avalanche Lake and Hidden Lake. Additionally, visitors can enjoy camping, wildlife viewing, biking, and horseback riding. West Glacier truly offers a pristine natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all types.
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): 7.0
West-Glacier receives approximately
978mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 69%
and air temperatures averaging around
4°C.
West-Glacier 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
Pend Oreille
Area Rivers
Pend Oreille
Snowpack Depths
Pend Oreille
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Pend Oreille
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 6.1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murray Bay | 18 | 3,582 ft | |||
| Sprague Creek - Glacier National Park | 25 | 3,169 ft | |||
| Lid Creek | 30 | 3,581 ft | |||
| Avalanche Creek - Glacier National Park | 90 | 3,412 ft | |||
| Lost Johnny Point | 30 | 3,576 ft | |||
| Handkerchief Lake | 9 | 3,968 ft | |||
| Lost Johnny | 5 | 3,562 ft | |||
| Wayfarers State Park | 30 | 2,959 ft | |||
| Fish Creek - Glacier National Park | 180 | 3,225 ft | |||
| Emery Bay | 26 | 3,608 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):
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.