2017 Map of Salsbery Reservoir

About this map

Salsbery Reservoir and a series of smaller catchment basins define this high plains landscape in Phillips County, illustrating the critical role of water management in Montana's ranching country during the late 2010s. The drainage network is dominated by the E Fork Whitewater Cr and the descriptively named Stinky Cr, which feeds into the larger Big Reservoir. These water features, including Fieldheim Reservoir and Schmittou Reservoir, suggest a legacy of local landholding and seasonal grazing. The terrain is marked by the broad Water Coulee, while transit across this portion of the Milk River watershed is facilitated by remote corridors like Turkey Track Rd and Forks Rd. This survey documents a quiet interior of the state where the Public Land Survey System grids meet the natural contours of ephemeral creek forks and isolated coulees.