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2014 Map of Rufino Butte

Name: 2014 Topographic Map of Rufino Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2014
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2014

About this map

Rufino Butte rises as a prominent landmark in this high-desert portion of Malheur County, where the landscape is defined by an intricate network of drainage systems and artificial catchments. The terrain is deeply incised by the Dry Creek Gorge and numerous seasonal watercourses like Avery Cr and Dry Cr. This area lacks permanent settlements, reflecting a land use pattern focused on livestock ranching and resource management, as evidenced by the high density of small water developments.

A series of cattle tanks and impoundments, including Coyote Wells Reservoir, Pitch Fork Reservoir, and McConnell Reservoir, are strategically placed across the range. Grounded names like Slim and Fatty Spring and Mud Spring suggest the importance of reliable water sources in this arid environment. Connectivity across the region is provided by unpaved tracks such as Crowley Rd and the Dry Creek Cutoff, which follow the natural contours of the undulating hills and drainages.