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2019 Map of Chromo

Name: 2019 Topographic Map of Chromo
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2019
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2019

About this map

Chromo sits at the heart of a complex water-management landscape where the Navajo River and Little Navajo River meet. This 2019 survey documents an extensive network of irrigation infrastructure essential to the high-altitude agriculture of Archuleta County, including the Elmer Ditch, Midland Ditch, and Shahan Ditch. These gravity-fed systems divert water across the flats between Chromo Mtn and Mesa Pedregosa, supporting the valley's ranching heritage.

The surrounding terrain within the San Juan National Forest is defined by a series of mesas and canyons, such as Mesa Cortado and Jawbone Canyon. The map reveals the intricate drainage patterns of the southern San Juans, from the high Chalk Mountains and Spring Cr Lakes in the north down through Spring Valley. Man-made modifications to the natural landscape are evident in features like the Blanco Tunnel and Oso Tunnel, which facilitate water movement through the high ridges.