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2023 Map of San Lucas Dam

Name: 2023 Topographic Map of San Lucas Dam
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2023
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2023

About this map

Cibola National Forest defines the rugged topography of this McKinley County landscape, where deep canyons and high mesas intersect. The high plateau of San Mateo Mesa dominates the central terrain, surrounded by a complex network of drainage systems including Chole Canyon and La Polvadera Canyon. The map reveals a land utilized for water management in an arid environment, evidenced by scattered livestock reservoirs such as Baca Tank, Derrame Tank, and Piedra Tank.

A sparse network of forest and county roads, including Co RD 75 and Jesus Mesa Rd, provides the only access through these high-elevation drainages. Named landmarks like Rancho Perfecto Point and Banco del Ericierro provide navigational anchors for the area's ranchers and land managers. The transition from the steep walls of San Lucas Canyon to the more open reaches of Cañada la Vacas illustrates the erosional forces shaping the modern New Mexican high country.