2016 Map of Murphy Creek

About this map

Pico Lake and Stassney Lake serve as focal points in this arid expanse of Shackelford County, where a network of seasonal watercourses defines the landscape. The drainage system is anchored by Murphy Cr and Newcomb Cr, which gather runoff from the dissected terrain. A sparse but organized grid of rural infrastructure, including Ranch Rd 2482 and several county routes like Co Rd 112, provides access to the interior. The map reveals a ranching-focused environment where water management is critical, evidenced by the named lakes and the complex branching of McDowell Cr and its southern tributary, the S Br McDowell Cr. This modern survey by the U.S. Geological Survey documents the enduring physical character of the Texas Rolling Plains, showing how contemporary roads follow the contours of ancient drainage patterns.