2011 Map of Darby Buttes

About this map

Darby Buttes rise above the high plains of Garfield County in this 2011 topograhic study, anchoring a landscape shaped by intermittent water and livestock management. The drainage patterns of Santo Arroyo Creek and Sand Creek dominate the terrain, illustrating the intricate network of coulees and washes typical of this Montana region. Human intervention is evident through the placement of earthen dams designed to manage these seasonal flows, including the Claribell Number 3 Dam, Sand Cow Dam, and Lacosta Sand Creek Dam. The presence of Southerland Coulee further highlights the local geological nomenclature, where the relief is defined more by erosion and drainage than by major settlement. This survey provides a clear look at the sparse road network and hydraulic infrastructure essential for ranching and land use in this part of the state.