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2013 Map of Basin Mountain

Name: 2013 Topographic Map of Basin Mountain
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2013
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2013

About this map

Lake Nighthorse and Ridges Basin dominate the northern landscape of this La Plata County survey, where the southwestern edge of Durango meets the steep topography of the San Juan Basin. The map details a complex water management system crucial to this high-desert environment, featuring the Animas River corridor and historical irrigation infrastructure like the Citizens Animas Ditch and E Mesa Ditch.

Elevations rise sharply toward Basin Mountain and Bridge Timber Mountain, revealing a dissected landscape of canyons such as Wildcat Canyon and Cottonwood Canyon. Numerous small stock tanks and catchments, including Dads Reservoir and the Herrera Reservoir, are scattered across the terrain, reflecting the area's ranching heritage. Near the river, the Weaselskin Bridge provides a crossing point south of the city, while Sunnyside Mesa stands as a prominent geographic landmark to the southeast.