2012 Map of Natural Dam Lake

About this map

Natural Dam Lake dominates this arid landscape in Howard County, where the desert hydrology is defined by seasonal draws and isolated water tanks. The tiny settlement of Morita sits at a highway junction in the east, serving as a localized hub in an area otherwise characterized by extensive ranching and county roads like Ranch Road 3033. The geography here is marked by low-lying depressions that collect mineral-heavy runoff, as seen in the names Red Salt Lake and Salt Lake. These features, along with Hamilton Draw and Buzzard Draw, suggest a terrain shaped by rare but significant drainage events. Local landmarks like Indian Point and various livestock tanks, such as Calf Tank and Red Tank, provide essential orientation points across the open range. The network of corridors, including Compress Rd and Wilkerson Rd, illustrates the grid-like development of this part of West Texas.