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1961 Map of Black Bluffs

Name: 1961 Topographic Map of Black Bluffs
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

Elephant Butte Lake dominates this New Mexico landscape, shown here as it transitioned through various updates between the early 1960s and 1980. The reservoir, part of Elephant Butte State Park, is flanked by dramatic geological features such as the White Cliffs and the rugged Black Bluffs along the eastern shore. The western side of the lake reveals the drainage of Alamosa Creek and the presence of ranching infrastructure like the Chavez Windmill and Elkins Ranch.

Surveying data illustrates the complex topography of the Rio Grande valley, including numerous named drainages like Pinosa Canyon and Hellion Canyon. The map also delineates the Pedro Armendaris Grant Boundary No 33, marking the legacy of historic land grants in Sierra County. Significant shoreline landmarks, such as North Monticello Point and South Monticello Point, define the reservoir's reach during this era.