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2013 Map of Sardine Lake

Name: 2013 Topographic Map of Sardine Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2013
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2013

About this map

Sardine Lake and the surrounding high desert of eastern Chaves County define this landscape of water scarcity and ranching infrastructure. The terrain is characterized by broad basins and ephemeral water sources, with the O'Brien Ranch standing as a central human landmark in an area otherwise marked by vital livestock tanks. These water features, such as the curiously named Madison Square Garden Tank, Wolf Tank, and House Tank, reveal the essential role of artificial catchments in supporting cattle grazing across the New Mexico plains.

Industrial and natural drainage patterns intersect here, most notably where the El Paso Pipe Line Rd cuts across the southwest, and the Long Arroyo Draw carves through the southeast. Higher ground at Palma Mesa provides a vantage point over a series of depressions including Deep Lake, Twin Lakes, and Adobe Lake. This 2013 survey provides a clear view of the land management and resource distribution required for survival in this arid environment.