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2020 Map of Mackay Reservoir

Name: 2020 Topographic Map of Mackay Reservoir
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2020
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

Mackay Reservoir and the Big Lost River Valley dominate this Custer County landscape, where water management and mountainous terrain define the local geography. The settlement of Mackay sits at the edge of the valley, serving as a gateway to the high elevations of the Challis National Forest. The map reveals a complex system of drainage and irrigation, including Sharp Ditch and Swauger Slough, which support the valley's agricultural needs against a backdrop of steep peaks like White Knob and Mackay Peak.

Tracing the historical infrastructure of the region, the survey identifies several distinctive landmarks and relics of past activity. The Battleground Cem is situated near the reservoir's northern shore, while industrial history is hinted at by the Cossack Tunnel located near Bullion Gulch. From the aviation grounds of Linda's Roost Airport to the numerous canyons like Black Daisy Canyon and Blaze Canyon, the map provides a comprehensive view of how human activity has adapted to this high-altitude environment.