1985 Map of Murphy Gap SE

About this map

Coal Valley defines the core of this landscape in Lincoln County, where the desert floor is shaped by alluvial processes and shifting sand deposits. The 1980s terrain is characterized by broad drainage networks, notably Cold Springs Wash which carries seasonal runoff from the surrounding uplands toward the valley center. Water management in this arid environment is anchored by the Murphy Gap Reservoir in the northern reach, a critical landmark for livestock and local land use. While the region is primarily open range, network traces of 4wd tracks reveal the paths used by ranchers and mineral prospectors navigating this part of Nevada. This provisional survey provides a precise look at the topographical elevations and drainage patterns before modern digital mapping, preserving the specific hydrological and recreational landmarks of the mid-1980s.