2011 Map of Emerick Bench

About this map

Emerick Bench and the high northern plains of Phillips County define this arid landscape, where water management is central to the local geography. The map illustrates a network of drainage features and catchments, most notably the Blue Stem Reservoir and various watercourses like Woody Island Creek and Cottonwood Creek. The terrain is characterized by numerous coulees—dry stream beds that flow only during heavy rains or snowmelt—including Coburg Coulee, Reservoir Coulee, and Alkali Coulee. These features represent the essential drainage system of the Missouri River watershed in northern Montana. Transportation in this part of the state remains sparse, anchored by routes like Black Coulee Rd, while landmarks such as Haystack Butte provide vertical orientation across the relatively flat benchlands. This 2011 survey serves as a modern record of the land use and natural hydrology in a rural agricultural region.