2023 Map of Puerco Dam

About this map

The Rio Puerco drainage system defines the topographic character of this Sandoval County landscape, where deep canyons and arroyos reveal a complex network of seasonal watercourses. Significant terrain features such as Cañada Nervio and Salado Canyon dominate the northern sections, while southern reaches are marked by the numbered channels of Arroyo Nine and Arroyo Six. These features illustrate the erosion patterns typical of the high desert, providing a clear record of how water moves through the high plateaus of New Mexico. Transportation in this area is characterized by bureau routes, specifically Indian Svc Rte 481 and Indian Svc Rte 48, which facilitate movement across the arid plains. Notable landmarks for those studying the area include named geographical points like Cañon Cuervo and Cañon de la Agua Blanca, offering a precise view of the regional landforms as they exist in the early 21st century.