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2015 Map of Picacho SW

Name: 2015 Topographic Map of Picacho SW
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2015
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2015

About this map

The Colorado River carves a winding path along the state boundary between Arizona and California, defining the geography of this arid riverine landscape. Low-lying backwaters and riparian features like Regan Slough, Adobe Lake, and Nortons Lake characterize the floodplain, while the Trigo Mountains rise to the east. Human presence is centered on small riverside outposts, including Nortons Landing and Nommel Place, which suggest a history of seasonal access or small-scale river utility.

Ephemeral drainage systems such as Red Cloud Wash, Gavilan Wash, and Vellan Wash cut through the desert floor, feeding into the main channel. Notable water sources tucked into the canyons provide essential landmarks for local navigation, including Carrizo Spring, Bear Canyon Tank, and Carrizo Falls. The map also details the rugged elevation change at Bear Canyon Bluff, overlooking the seasonal flows of Cane Wash.