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2021 Map of Big Spring Butte

Name: 2021 Topographic Map of Big Spring Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2021
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2021

About this map

The high desert borderlands of Nevada and Oregon meet in this detailed survey, dominated by a series of volcanic plateaus and critical water sources in an otherwise arid landscape. Big Spring Butte and Boundary Butte rise above the surrounding terrain, marking a region defined by its wide, flat-topped mesas such as Big Spring Table and Gooch Table. This geography suggests a history of seasonal grazing and water management, evidenced by the presence of both natural and man-made water features.

Hydrological importance is centered on the Big Spring Reservoir and Sage Hen Reservoir, which along with Hazeltine Lake, indicate the careful control of surface runoff. The topography transitions from the dramatic Echo Canyon in the south to the curiously named Hawksy Walksy near the state line. These landforms, along with the Sage Hen Hills, provide a clear picture of the remote basin and range environment where Humboldt and Harney counties meet.