1982 Map of Lumley Lake

About this map

White Sands Missile Range dominates this 1982 orthophotomap, showing the stark intersection of military infrastructure and the unique geological formations of the Tularosa Basin. The landscape is defined by the vast Alkali Flat and areas of shifting sand, where water is scarce and highly mineralized. Natural water features like Big Salt Lake, Little Salt Lake, and the namesake Lumley Lake appear as ephemeral catchments in this arid environment. Evidence of human activity is sparse but notable, ranging from the CCC Tank—likely a remnant of Civilian Conservation Corps work—to modern installations like the Radio Tower and the SW 50 Site. The boundary between Sierra and Dona Ana counties cuts through the southeastern portion of the map, near Alkali Spring, providing a precise record of the regional geography before further landscape shifts.