2017 Map of Phillips Butte

About this map

Phillips Butte and Diamond Butte anchor this high plains landscape within the Custer National Forest south of Sonnette. The terrain is defined by an intricate network of drainages and seasonal water sources, reflecting the critical importance of water management in eastern Montana. A high density of man-made water features, including Elk Cr Reservoir Number One, Mud Turtle Reservoir, Basin Reservoir, and Pierce Reservoir, illustrates the extensive infrastructure developed for ranching and livestock. These reservoirs are often situated near natural sources like Coal Mine Spring and Schwind Spring. The map documents a complex system of draws and prongs, such as Sawmill Draw, Mason Prong, and Deadman Draw, which feed into larger watercourses like N Fork Elk Cr and Fifteenmile Cr. Sonnette Rd provides the primary corridor through this sparsely settled region, where land use is dictated by the rugged topography of the Powder River Basin.