2019 Map of Merino SW

About this map

The South Platte River cuts across the northwestern corner of this landscape, anchoring an agricultural region defined by irrigation infrastructure and county boundaries. The Lower Platte and Beaver Ditch runs parallel to the river, illustrating the critical role of water management in this part of Morgan County. Near the river's bend, Emmerson Lake serves as a prominent local water feature. The terrain is marked by the interface of Morgan and Washington counties, where a grid of rural routes like Co Rd Z provides access to the surrounding plains. The map captures the specialized geometry of the High Plains, where human settlement and water engineering have historically adapted to the natural drainage patterns of the Platte valley.