1956 Map of Obsidian Butte, 1983 Print
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1956 Map of Obsidian Butte

USGS Topo · Published 1983

About this map

Obsidian Butte rises from the southeastern shore of the Salton Sea, providing a sharp volcanic contrast to the surrounding desert lowlands of Imperial County. Surveyed in the mid-1950s, this area is defined by the heavy engineering required to manage water and drainage in a basin sitting at an elevation 235 feet below sea level. The landscape is bisected by an intricate system of irrigation and drainage infrastructure, including the Vail Cut Off Drain, Lateral 5, and Pumice Drain, which channel water toward the sea. The Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge dominates the western portion of the map, while the mouth of the New River enters from the south. Cultural features are sparse, limited largely to agricultural support such as a Quarry and various Pump stations, illustrating the region's primary focus on large-scale water management and resource extraction.


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Map Details

Date Portrayed1956
Date Published1983
PublisherU.S. Geological Survey
Map TypeTopographic
Scale1:24,000
Physical Dimensions21.9 x 26.8 inches

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Source Details

CopyrightPublic Domain