1981 Map of North Fork Alkali Creek

About this map

North Fork Alkali Creek flows through a remote stretch of the Montana plains along the border of Custer and Carter counties. This 1981 survey, based on aerial photography from the mid-1970s, illustrates a landscape primarily shaped by drainage and ranching infrastructure rather than concentrated settlement. Significant water management features like Cold Springs Dam and the simple label for Dugout indicate the importance of water retention in this arid environment. The presence of a Drill Hole near the center of the sheet suggests mineral or geological exploration common to the region during this period. The terrain is defined by a network of intermittent streams including Straight Creek and Hay Creek, which carve through the high ground to meet the larger Alkali Creek system.