1961 Map of Chalk Mountain

About this map

Grand Mesa National Forest and Gunnison National Forest converge on this high-country landscape, marked by a dense network of water management features and steep terrain. The 1961 survey documents a complex system of high-altitude storage, including the significant Overland Reservoir and Overland Ditch in the east, alongside smaller irrigation assets like Monument Res No 1, Ella Res, and Wash Tub Res. These reservoirs, many named after local families or topographical features such as Elk Wallows Reservoir and Skimmed Milk Res, reflect the critical role of water diversion in the ranching and agricultural development of Delta and Mesa counties. The map also delineates the high ridges of Chalk Mountain and the distinct formation known as The Dyke, while the Lombard Slides and Mushy Park indicate the varied geomorphology of the western slope. Numerous unnamed jeep trails and the Green Mtn Trail provide a look at the backcountry accessibility of the era.