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2013 Map of Plumasano Basin

Name: 2013 Topographic Map of Plumasano Basin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2013
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2013

About this map

Plumasano Basin dominates this landscape in western New Mexico, where the high-desert terrain is carved by seasonal drainages and punctuated by massive mesas. The boundary between McKinley and Cibola counties runs through the northern half of the sheet, dividing a region defined by its significant geological features rather than human settlements. To the north, the plateau of Pie Mesa rises sharply above the surrounding flats, while Red Mesa stands as a prominent landmark further west.

Water management and natural erosion patterns are evident through the paths of Plumasano Wash and Willow Wash, which provide the primary drainage for the basin. The southern reaches of the map are defined by deeper topographic relief, including Yellowrock Canyon and Thompson Draw. While largely devoid of structures, the presence of Silt Rd in the north indicates the minimal infrastructure serving this remote section of the Colorado Plateau.