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1982 Map of Moses Lake

Name: 1982 Topographic Map of Moses Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1983
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1983

About this map

The dramatic geography of the Columbia Basin is captured in detail during the early 1980s, showcasing the intricate relationship between the region's volcanic past and its modern irrigation infrastructure. The landscape is dominated by the massive Potholes Reservoir and the winding Moses Lake, features that define the water-starved terrain of the Grand Coulee. The presence of the Main Canal and West Canal networks illustrates the scale of the Columbia Basin Project, which transformed this arid plateau into a productive agricultural hub centered around towns like Ephrata and Quincy.

Military and transportation history is evident in the sprawling grounds of Larson Air Force Base and the active Burlington Northern railroad lines. Significant geological features such as the Beezley Hills, Frenchman Hills, and the deep cut of Moses Coulee provide context for the various state wildlife areas and parks, including Sun Lakes State Park. Smaller settlements like Wheeler, Winchester, and Stratford appear alongside numerous recreational points like Soap Lake, known for its mineral-rich waters.