2017 Map of Chain Buttes

About this map

Fort Peck Lake and the Missouri River dominate the northern half of this landscape, forming a natural boundary between Phillips and Petroleum counties. The terrain is characterized by a complex network of dry washes and drainage patterns, including Garden Coulee, Dam Coulee, and Carpenter Coulee, which cut through the high plains toward the river valley. To the south, the namesake Chain Buttes rise as prominent geological landmarks, overlooking a remote stretch of eastern Montana where water management is critical, as evidenced by the Headman Field Reservoir. Minor drainages like Beauchamp Cr, Hawley Cr, and Soda Cr further define the local topography, providing a detailed look at the hydrology of the Missouri River breaks before the land transitions toward Midale Rd on the eastern edge.