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2014 Map of Madison Plateau

Name: 2014 Topographic Map of Madison Plateau
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2014
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2014

About this map

The Madison Plateau dominates this high-country landscape on the border of Gallatin and Madison counties. This modern survey illustrates the complex water management system critical to the region's agricultural and ranching operations, featuring a series of man-made waterways like Sloan Ditch and Hutchison Ditch that draw from local sources such as Spring Cr. These irrigation features cut across the terrain, reflecting the long-standing efforts to direct water across the high benchlands for livestock and crops.

Remote roads including Norris Rd and Elk Creek Rd provide the primary access to the scattered springs and creek beds that define the geography. The presence of Willow Springs and the winding course of Elk Cr highlight the reliance on natural water points in this open country. This 2014 edition captures the balance between natural topography and human engineering in a part of Montana where land use remains closely tied to the available water supply.