-
Snoflo Premium
Get unlimited access to all our content
With no Ad interruptions! - Start Your Free Trial Login with existing account
Missoula
Eden Index
Climate
7.5
•
Recreation
7.4
•
Community
3.6
•
Safeguard
6.5/10
Missoula, Montana, is located in the western part of the state and offers a diverse outdoor experience thanks to its unique climate and hydrology constituents. The region experiences a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The city is situated at the confluence of three rivers: the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and Blackfoot. This hydrology mix provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy water-related activities such as fishing, rafting, and kayaking. The rivers are known for their trout populations, attracting fishermen from around the world.
In addition to the rivers, Missoula is surrounded by mountains, offering a range of outdoor recreation opportunities. Hiking, mountain biking, and skiing are popular activities in the nearby Lolo National Forest and the Rattlesnake Wilderness Area. The area is also known for its extensive trail system, providing opportunities for horseback riding, bird-watching, and wildlife viewing.
Overall, Missoula's climate, hydrology constituents, and outdoor recreation opportunities make it a desirable destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.
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): 7.5
Missoula receives approximately
370mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 77%
and air temperatures averaging around
8°C.
Missoula has a plant hardyness factor of
5, 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
Pend Oreille
Area Rivers
Pend Oreille
Snowpack Depths
Pend Oreille
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Pend Oreille
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 7.4
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Waters | 28 | 3,677 ft | |||
| Chief Looking Glass FAS | 17 | 3,187 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): 3.6
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.