2020 Map of Miranda Flat SW

About this map

Alvord Desert dominates the southern reaches of this landscape, its expansive alkali flat providing a stark contrast to the drainage patterns of the high desert. Along the northwestern edge of the sheet, the presence of Alvord Ranch Ln indicates the long-standing ranching footprint in Harney County, where access follows the base of the mountains to tap into vital water sources. Seasonal flows from Big Alvord Cr and Mosquito Cr define the hydrologic character of the basin, carving ephemeral paths toward the playa floor. This 2020 record of the high desert basin preserves the section lines of the Public Land Survey System, illustrating how grazing and land management remain tied to the Township and Range grid, even in such a sparsely populated environment.