2011 Map of Lelig Coulee

About this map

Thomas Ranch and O'Connor Ranch represent the enduring pastoral character of this Garfield County landscape. Set against a backdrop of complex drainage patterns, the area is defined by a network of coulees including Stocker Coulee, Kimmel Coulee, and the eponymous Lelig Coulee. These landforms, alongside the South Fork Lodgepole Creek, illustrate the erosional history of the Montana plains. Water management is central to the local economy, evidenced by several water storage features such as Split Reservoir, its associated Split Dam, and Ezekial Reservoir. The terrain rises to notable high points at Sandage Buttes, while smaller drainages like Calf Creek, Sheep Coulee, and Teepee Coulee further divide the rangeland. This survey documents the intersection of natural topography and private ranching interests in a sparsely populated region.