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2016 Map of Black Mountains

Name: 2016 Topographic Map of Black Mountains
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2016
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2016

About this map

The Black Mountains rise as a prominent topographic feature within this arid Hudspeth County landscape, characterized by a complex network of ephemeral water management systems. In this high-desert environment, the distribution of human-made infrastructure like Flat Bottom Tank, Bond Tank, and Clifton Tank reveals a reliance on seasonal runoff captured through precise earthen engineering. These features, often named for local ranching families or landmarks, serve as the primary indicators of land use and human presence across the open range.

Water drainage patterns are clearly defined by features such as Antelope Gulch and Count Draw, which channel moisture toward various catchments including Quatro Julio Tank and Hartnet Tank. The absence of dense road networks or established townsites underscores the remote ranching character of this region. The relationship between the natural elevation of the Black Mountains and the strategic placement of McAdoo Tank and Black Mountain Tank illustrates the persistent efforts to adapt this West Texas terrain for livestock and limited agricultural utility.