1986 Map of Buffalo Hump Basin

About this map

Buffalo Hump Basin defines the high-desert landscape of Sweetwater County in the mid-1980s. This land, primarily utilized for grazing and mineral exploration, is characterized by its internal drainage systems and isolated water sources. The presence of Buffalo Hump Lake provides a rare perennial water feature in an otherwise arid expanse dominated by the Alkali Basin. The map captures the ephemeral nature of the high plains, where Bush Creek drains the northern reaches and a solitary Well in the southeast corner marks human infrastructure for livestock or industrial use. The survey reflects the remote character of this region during the decade, highlighting the sparse but critical network of water points that dictated movement across the Wyoming desert.