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1995 Map of Nilan Reservoir

Name: 1995 Topographic Map of Nilan Reservoir
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1997
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1997

About this map

Nilan Reservoir dominates the northeastern landscape of this mid-1990s survey, representing a significant water management feature in this part of Lewis and Clark County. The surrounding terrain transitions from the high, distinctive summit of Haystack Butte in the south to a network of drainage systems including Ford Creek, Smith Creek, and the curiously named Blubber Creek. Ranching history is anchored by the L F Ranch, situated near the confluence of several seasonal streams.

Water distribution is the primary story of this sheet, with smaller bodies like Anderson Lake and Smith Lake dotting the plains. Narrower geological features such as Swallow Canyon and various Gravel Pits suggest the localized industrial and natural constraints on land use. This map documents a high-plains environment where water sources define both the geography and the placement of human improvements like the ranch and reservoir infrastructure.