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2012 Map of Lake De Smet West

Name: 2012 Topographic Map of Lake De Smet West
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2012
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2012

About this map

Mowry Basin and the surrounding foothills of the Bighorn Mountains are defined by a complex network of water management features in this 2012 survey. The landscape is marked by numerous artificial waterways such as the Lake Desmet Canal, Ritchey Ditch, and Ruby Ditch, which redirect the flow of Rock Cr and Sayles Cr. This intricate system of ditches and laterals, including the Pride of the Valley Ditch and Fish Lateral, illustrates the essential role of irrigation in sustaining the region's agricultural and ranching operations.

Several local reservoirs, including Sparks Reservoir, Shell Creek Reservoir, and South Sayles Reservoir, anchor the water system. Transportation in the area is primarily comprised of rural routes like French Creek Rd and Rock Creek Rd, providing access to isolated properties and the various creek forks that carve through the basin. The map captures the interface between the high plains and the mountain drainage systems just west of Lake De Smet.