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Whitewater
Eden Index
Climate
8.0
•
Recreation
4.4
•
Community
•
Safeguard
4.7/10
Whitewater, Colorado is a small community located in Mesa County, in the western part of the state. Situated at an elevation of 4,685 feet, Whitewater experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summers are typically dry and hot, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, while winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping below freezing.
Hydrologically, Whitewater is blessed with the nearby presence of the Gunnison River, which flows through the region. The river not only provides a stunning natural landscape but also offers various recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking. Its clear waters are known for their abundance of trout and other fish species.
With its picturesque surroundings, Whitewater is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The region offers numerous hiking trails, including the popular Tabeguache Trail that winds through the nearby Uncompahgre Plateau. Additionally, the area is known for its outstanding mountain biking trails, attracting riders from far and wide. The nearby Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area also provides opportunities for camping, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing.
In summary, Whitewater, Colorado offers a semi-arid climate, the presence of the Gunnison River, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities, making it a desirable destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
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
Whitewater receives approximately
331mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 50%
and air temperatures averaging around
9°C.
Whitewater 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
Gunnison
Area Rivers
Gunnison
Snowpack Depths
Gunnison
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Gunnison
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.4
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruita - Colorado River State Park | 45 | 4,484 ft | |||
| North Fruita Desert | 35 | 5,392 ft | |||
| Big Dominguez | 9 | 7,101 ft | |||
| Mud Springs | 14 | 8,525 ft | |||
| Saddlehorn - Colorado National Monument | 80 | 4,685 ft | |||
| Divide Fork | 11 | 8,746 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.