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Willard
Eden Index
Climate
7.3
•
Recreation
1.4
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.4/10
Willard, Montana is a small, unincorporated community situated in Gallatin County. The region experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summers are typically warm, with temperatures averaging in the low to mid-80s Fahrenheit, while winters are cold, with temperatures ranging from the teens to the 30s Fahrenheit. Precipitation is relatively low, with an annual average of around 18 inches, and snowfall is common during the winter months.
Hydrologically, the community is located in the Gallatin River watershed. The Gallatin River is a tributary of the Missouri River and is known for its clear, cold waters that offer excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for trout. Additionally, the area is surrounded by several mountain ranges, including the Gallatin Range and the Absaroka Range, which provide scenic beauty and opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Outdoor recreation enthusiasts will find a variety of activities to enjoy in and around Willard. The area is known for its exceptional fly fishing opportunities, with the Gallatin River attracting anglers from far and wide. Additionally, the nearby mountains offer excellent hiking trails, ranging from leisurely strolls to more challenging treks. Camping and hunting are also popular activities in the surrounding wilderness.
In summary, Willard, Montana offers a semi-arid climate with distinct seasons, a beautiful river system for fishing, and ample outdoor recreation opportunities in the nearby mountains.
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): 7.3
Willard receives approximately
377mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 69%
and air temperatures averaging around
7°C.
Willard 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
Lower Yellowstone
Area Rivers
Lower Yellowstone
Snowpack Depths
Lower Yellowstone
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Lower Yellowstone
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 1.4
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macnab Pond | 5 | 3,477 ft | |||
| Baker City Campground | None | 2,923 ft | |||
| Medicine Rocks State Park | 12 | 3,384 ft | |||
| Ekalaka Park | 8 | 3,824 ft | |||
| South Sandstone FAS | 10 | 2,869 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.