2018 Map of Pothole Valley

About this map

The high plateau of Modoc National Forest dominates this landscape, where water sources dictate the geography of the high desert. This 2018 survey illustrates a complex network of hydrologic features essential for local ecosystems and livestock management, including Bird Spring, Quaking Aspen Spring, and the artificial Boles Tank. The terrain is characterized by the broad Pothole Valley and the prominent Timbered Ridge, which together form a significant drainage divide. Drainage follows Boles Creek and its seasonal tributaries, such as Boles Cr, moving through a landscape punctuated by basaltic ridges and depressions. Forest roads and spurs like Steele Swamp and Clear Lake provide the primary access into these remote reaches of northeastern California, while Timbered Ridge Reservoir serves as a critical catchment in the southeastern quadrant.