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1966 Map of Elk Basin SW

Name: 1966 Topographic Map of Elk Basin SW
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1969
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1969

About this map

Ralston Flats and the elevated plateau of Polecat Bench define this arid landscape in northern Wyoming during the mid-1960s. The terrain is characterized by a network of drainage features including Big Sand Coulee and West Fork Sand Coulee, which cut through the northern portion of the sheet. To the south, human activity is concentrated around the small settlement of Ralston and an organized grid of irrigation and transport infrastructure.

A system of water management is evident through various named laterals, such as Lane Lateral, which support agricultural efforts on the flatlands. This infrastructure, paired with named thoroughfares like Lane Nine, reflects the post-war development of the Shoshone Project region. The map also traces a significant Pipeline crossing the benchlands, highlighting the area's importance as an energy corridor during this era of western expansion.