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1986 Map of Hughes D-2

Name: 1986 Topographic Map of Hughes D-2
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1986
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1986

About this map

The Continental Divide winds through the northwest corner of this 1980s topographic record, marking a literal watershed moment in the Alaskan wilderness. This terrain is defined by the Helpmejack Hills, a series of high ridges that overlook a landscape essentially untouched by modern infrastructure. The eastern edge of the Gates of the Arctic National Preserve is established here, providing a clear boundary for one of the nation's most protected natural landscapes.

Drainage patterns are the primary features of interest, particularly the braided path of the Alatna River as it moves south through the eastern valley and the headwaters of the Hogatza River in the southwest. Between these two major waterways lies a network of smaller catchments, including Helpmejack Lakes and Helpmejack Creek. This provisional survey, based on 1973 photography, documents a region where the U.S. Geological Survey noted no roads or trails existed at the time of publication.