1982 Map of Chipmunk Basin

About this map

Chipmunk Basin defines this high-desert landscape in Malheur County, characterized by a complex network of seasonal water management features during the early 1980s. The map illustrates how ranching and land use relied on a system of isolated water sources, from the aptly named Disaster Spring and Exchange Spring to a series of catchment areas like Inspiration Reservoir and Horse Hill Reservoir. The presence of a long Buried Aqueduct winding through the southeastern terrain suggests a sophisticated infrastructure for transporting water across the arid stretches between Steer Canyon and Massey Canyon. Local industry is noted by scattered Gravel Pits, while landmarks like Horse Hill and the Bend-of-Pole Creek provide fixed points for navigating this intricate topography of draws and canyons.