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2011 Map of Palomino Lake

Name: 2011 Topographic Map of Palomino Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2011
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2011

About this map

Iron Mountain Rd cuts across a high desert landscape dominated by volcanic geology and intermittent water sources in this Malheur County survey. The northern reaches are defined by the Saddle Butte Lava Tube and the expansive Saddle Butte Lava Field, indicating the area's complex geothermal history. These basaltic features contrast with the drainage patterns of Ryegrass Creek, which flows through the upper sections of the quadrangle.

Water management in this arid environment is centered around the Sheephead Reservoir and the namesake Palomino Lake to the south. These catchments, along with Scott Butte Creek, represent the critical infrastructure for ranching and wildlife in a region where surface water is seasonal. The 2011 data illustrates a largely undeveloped expanse, where the intersection of volcanic terrain and sparse waterways dictates the local geography.