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2011 Map of Pole Canyon

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

USGS Topo · Published 2011

About this map

Big Trout Creek and Little Trout Creek drain this arid segment of Harney County, illustrating a landscape defined by seasonal water management and remote ranching infrastructure. The network of artificial impoundments, including Stewart Reservoir Number 1 and Stewart Reservoir Number 2, suggests a coordinated effort to sustain livestock in an environment where reliable water is scarce. Smaller catchments like Lonely Reservoir and Chalk Canyon Reservoir are distributed across the high desert terrain, serving as critical points for cattle along the Whitehorse Ranch Rd.

Elevations vary from the heights of Willow Butte and Flagstaff Butte down into the carved drainage of Pole Canyon. Throughout the quadrangle, several isolated water sources such as Little Cole Spring and Pole Patch Springs provide the few permanent landmarks in a territory largely devoid of named settlements. This survey provides a clear look at the topography of the Oregon high desert, emphasizing the vital connection between natural springs and the human-made reservoirs that enable life in this corner of the state.