Helena

Climate Recreation Community Catastrophe

Helena
Eden Index

Climate 7.1 Recreation 6.1 Community 3.3 Safeguard

5.8/10

Helena, Montana is the capital city of the state and is situated in the western part of the state. The climate in Helena is characterized by cold winters and warm summers. The hydrology constituents of the city are mainly the Missouri River and Prickly Pear Creek. Outdoor recreation opportunities are abundant in and around Helena, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and skiing at nearby resorts such as Great Divide Ski Area. The city is also known for its access to public lands like Helena National Forest and Mount Helena City Park, which offer outdoor enthusiasts a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area. Overall, Helena is a great destination for nature lovers looking for an adventure in the great outdoors.

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): 7.1


Helena receives approximately 279mm of rain per year, with humidity levels near 67% and air temperatures averaging around 7°C. Helena 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

Upper Missouri

Area Rivers

Upper Missouri



Snowpack Depths

Upper Missouri



Reservoir Storage Capacity

Upper Missouri



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
Wolf Creek Bridge FAS 5 3,478 ft
Black Sandy State Park 33 3,672 ft
Stickney Creek FAS None 3,441 ft
Mid Canon FAS 5 3,427 ft
Boulder City Park 5 4,898 ft
Log Gulch 90 3,664 ft
White Sandy 32 3,833 ft
Lichen Cliff FAS None 3,750 ft
Dearborn FAS None 3,487 ft
Departure Point 10 3,633 ft
Fort Harrison RV Military - National Guard None 4,012 ft
Spite Hill FAS None 3,440 ft
Holter Lake State Rec Area 50 3,605 ft
Park Lake 24 6,384 ft
Craig FAS 11 3,451 ft
Prickly Pear FAS None 3,797 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): 3.3


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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