2010 Map of Dry Creek Basin

About this map

Dry Creek Basin and the surrounding high desert terrain in Montrose County are defined by an intricate network of irrigation and water management features. The landscape is marked by the presence of Olathe Reservoir Number 1 and Olathe Reservoir Number 2, which, along with Citizens Dam, underscore the critical role of water storage in this arid region. The distribution of water is further illustrated by the Dry Creek Ditch, West Canal, and the C O Lateral, showing how early 21st-century engineering adapted the natural drainage of Dry Creek and Piney Creek for local use. Natural landmarks such as Temple Park and the deep cuts of Linscott Canyon and Lindsey Canyon break the basin floor, while the Dry Creek Prospect indicates a history of mineral exploration in the western reaches of the quadrangle.