West-Plains

Climate Recreation Community Catastrophe

West-Plains
Eden Index

Climate 8.2 Recreation 1.1 Community 1.9 Safeguard

4.1/10

West Plains is a city located in Howell County, Missouri, known for its diverse climate, hydrology constituents, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The climate in West Plains is characterized by four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to high 90s (°F). Winters are generally mild with occasional snowfall, and temperatures averaging in the mid-40s to mid-50s (°F).

Hydrologically, West Plains is surrounded by numerous rivers and springs. The largest river in the area is the North Fork of the White River, which provides excellent fishing and kayaking opportunities. The region is also home to several crystal-clear springs, such as the Mammoth Spring, which is one of the largest springs in the United States.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of recreational activities in West Plains. The Mark Twain National Forest offers hiking and camping opportunities, while trails like the Ozark Trail and Devils Backbone provide breathtaking views of the scenic landscape. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the numerous rivers and lakes, including Lake Norfork and Bull Shoals Lake. Additionally, the area provides opportunities for hunting, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing, making West Plains a haven for nature lovers.

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): 8.2


West-Plains receives approximately 1189mm of rain per year, with humidity levels near 85% and air temperatures averaging around 14°C. West-Plains 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

Upper White

Area Rivers

Upper White



Snowpack Depths

Upper White



Reservoir Storage Capacity

Upper White



Groundwater Levels


Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 1.1


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.


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): 1.9


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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