2020 Map of Palomino Hills

About this map

Palomino Hills and the surrounding high desert of Malheur County are defined by a sophisticated system of upland water management and catchment. This 2020 survey details a network of specialized basins, including Two Day Reservoir, Ridge End Reservoir, and Lower Stockpile Reservoir, which are vital for supporting life and livestock in this arid environment. The drainages of Palomino Cr and Scott Butte Cr carve through the land, while the broad depression of Big Basin serves as a significant geographical anchor in the southern portion of the quadrangle. The presence of Palomino Cr Reservoir and the seasonal path of Drought Cr illustrate the precarious balance of water resources in a region where cattle ranching and wildland management rely on every captured acre-foot.