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2014 Map of Blue Mountain Basin

Name: 2014 Topographic Map of Blue Mountain Basin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2014
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2014

About this map

Blue Mountain Basin defines this high-desert landscape in Malheur County, where water management is the primary driver of the terrain's modification. The map reveals an intricate network of livestock and irrigation infrastructure, including numerous small impoundments such as the Oregon Canyon Reservoir, Dinky Reservoir, and Backside Reservoir. These water sources are critical in an area where names like Achabal Spring and Ditch Spring suggest the importance of local groundwater points for ranching operations.

Transportation through this high country is limited to rugged tracks like 12 Mile Rd, which passes near Twelvemile Summit. The natural drainage of the Blue Mountain Draw leads toward several reservoirs, including the Echave Reservoir and Diversion Ditch Reservoir, illustrating how natural topography has been utilized to capture seasonal runoff. This survey provides a clear view of the high-elevation basin before modern land-use shifts might alter these traditional ranching landmarks.