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Whiteclay
Eden Index
Climate
8.0
•
Recreation
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.2/10
Whiteclay is a small unincorporated community located in Sheridan County, Nebraska. It experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summers are typically hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. Winters are cold, with average temperatures in the 20s and occasional snowfall.
In terms of hydrology constituents, Whiteclay is situated near the Whiteclay Creek, a tributary of the Pine Ridge Creek. The creek forms part of the hydrological system in the area, supporting wildlife and vegetation.
While Whiteclay is primarily known for its history of alcohol sales and its close proximity to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, it does offer some outdoor recreation opportunities. The region is renowned for its natural beauty, with opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. Nearby attractions include the historic Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed, Toadstool Geologic Park, and the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area. These areas provide opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore unique geological formations, enjoy scenic trails, and experience the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
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): 8.0
Whiteclay receives approximately
463mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 72%
and air temperatures averaging around
9°C.
Whiteclay has a plant hardyness factor of
4, 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
White
Area Rivers
White
Snowpack Depths
White
Reservoir Storage Capacity
White
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walgren Lake State Rec Area | 40 | 3,740 ft | |||
| Smith Lake State Wildlife Area | None | 3,801 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.