1983 Map of Johnson Reservoir

About this map

Johnson Reservoir serves as a central landmark in this high-plains landscape of Dawson County, where the intricate drainage system of the Yellowstone River basin is on full display. The topographic data reveals the complex branching of North Fork Deer Creek, Middle Fork Deer Creek, and South Fork Deer Creek as they carve through the arid terrain. The presence of a prominent Irrigation Ditch in the southeast corner indicates the vital role of water management in supporting local ranching or agricultural efforts during the early 1980s. To the north, Lower Sevenmile Creek cuts across the corner of the sheet, further illustrating the seasonal or intermittent waterways that define the hydrology of this Montana rangeland. This survey captures a specific moment in the rural development of the region, emphasizing the importance of even small water catchments in an otherwise dry environment.