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1964 Map of Philip Smith Mountains

Name: 1964 Topographic Map of Philip Smith Mountains
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1964
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1964

About this map

The Philip Smith Mountains and the northern reaches of the Brooks Range dominate this mid-century topographical study, where the Arctic drainage system begins its descent toward the north. Major watercourses like the Itkillik River, Sagavanirktok River, and Ivishak River carve deep valleys through the high terrain, joined by smaller tributaries such as Your Creek and Smoke Creek.

Glacial lakes, including Galbraith Lake and Itkillik Lake, are visible at the base of the Endicott Mountains, marking the transitional landscape before the terrain settles into the northern bluffs. Surveyors identified several VABM markers like Jud and Nirk across the peaks, providing precise data points in an era when this region was primarily accessed by air or pack train. The map shows the intricate network of the Middle Fork Chandalar River and the North Fork Chandalar River, illustrating the continental divide's role in directing the flow of the Alaskan interior.