2019 Map of Lake John

About this map

Lake John and the surrounding high-altitude basin dominate this portion of Jackson County, where a sophisticated network of irrigation channels supports the local ranching economy. Significant water management features, such as the Bighorn Cattle Company Ditch, Legal Tender Ditch, and Hanson and Wattenberg Ditch, illustrate the historical effort to divert water from the North Platte River and its N Fork N Platte River across the dry terrain. To the southwest, the topography rises toward Sheep Mtn, while the landscape is carved by numerous drainages including California Gulch, Mansfield Draw, and Monahan Draw. This 2019 survey documents the enduring reliance on hydraulic engineering in the American West, featuring specific infrastructure like Brands Reservoir and the Ulrich Ditch that remain vital to the region's agricultural footprint.