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1954 Map of Mt. Waas 4 SW

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Mt. Waas 4 SW
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1955
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1955

About this map

Mt Waas dominates the high elevation landscape of this mid-century preliminary survey, marking a significant point near the border of Grand Co and San Juan Co. Located within the La Sal National Forest, the terrain is defined by dramatic mesas and basins that speak to the geologic isolation of the area. The eastern portion of the sheet shows the relatively level Taylor Flat and South Beaver Mesa, providing a stark contrast to the steep descent into Beaver Basin.

Water sources are vital markers in this high-altitude environment, appearing as isolated Springs and the cluster of Beaver Ponds. Features like Mud Lake and Willow Creek highlight the drainage patterns through the canyons. This map captures the region just as photogrammetric multiplex methods from 1953 aerial photography were being used to refine topographic detail before the completion of larger-scale fifteen-minute series maps.