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2023 Map of Blue Mountain Basin

Name: 2023 Topographic Map of Blue Mountain Basin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2023
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2023

About this map

The high desert landscape of Malheur County is defined by a sophisticated network of water management features centering on the Blue Mountain Basin. This modern topographic survey reveals how the terrain has been modified for ranching and livestock, with numerous catchments such as Blue Mountain Basin Reservoir Number Two and the Oregon Canyon Reservoir dotting the drainages. These artificial water bodies, including the Diversion Ditch Reservoir, indicate the critical importance of water storage in this arid southeastern Oregon environment.

Prominent topographic landmarks like Twelvemile Summit and the high ridge of Blue Mtn provide the vertical relief that feeds seasonal runoff into the Blue Mountain Draw. Cultural features are sparse, represented primarily by the Enchave Ranch Rd, which provides access to remote points like Achabal Spring and the Big Brush Reservoir. The map illustrates a landscape of large-scale land management where every draw and basin is utilized for catchment.