2011 Map of Dillon West

About this map

Dillon serves as the focal point for this high-altitude valley, where the University of Montana Western and Beaverhead County Fairgrounds anchor the eastern edge of the survey. The landscape is defined by the intricate winding of the Beaverhead River, which is flanked by an extensive network of irrigation infrastructure including the East Bench Canal and Poindexter Slough. This system of ditches and sloughs, such as Van Camp Slough and Sawmill Slough, reveals the intensive water management required for agriculture and ranching in this part of Montana. To the southwest, the river's flow is managed at Barretts Dam near the small settlement of Barretts. This area also shows signs of resource extraction at the NE SE Section 19 Mine and recreation at Barretts Park Campground. The presence of Smith Island and Lovell Island within the river corridor highlights the braided nature of the local waterways.