Loading map...

2010 Map of Ortega Tank

Name: 2010 Topographic Map of Ortega Tank
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2010
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2010

About this map

Mesa Rica dominates the northern landscape of this region in San Miguel County, where ranching infrastructure and seasonal water sources define the human footprint. The map documents a network of essential water improvements for livestock, including the Aragon Dam and numerous family-named catchment points like La Munyan Tank, Smith Tank, and Benavidez Tank.

Remote rangeland life is further evidenced by a high concentration of windmills that serve as primary landmarks across the high plains. From the Mitchell Windmill in the northwest to the Morris Windmills in the south, these features highlight the vital importance of groundwater in this arid environment. Significant drainage systems such as La Manga Creek and Caracita Creek cut through the terrain, leading toward the prominent Ortega Canyon.