Loading map...

2023 Map of Sardine Lake

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

USGS Topo · Published 2023

About this map

Sardine Lake and the surrounding desert basin of eastern New Mexico are defined by a network of ephemeral water sources and ranching infrastructure. This high-plains landscape in Chaves County features numerous named catchment points including Spotted Tank, Wolf Tank, and Moon Tank, which support the arid rangelands. The terrain is marked by significant natural depressions and drainage systems, most notably Deep Lake, Adobe Lake, and the broad Long Arroyo Draw that cuts through the southern reaches of the quadrangle.

Palma Mesa rises as a distinct topographical feature in the north, providing a vantage over the network of unpaved tracks such as White Lake Ranch Rd. The arrangement of these features illustrates a landscape organized around water security and cattle ranching, where every localized basin and tank is a vital landmark. The map documents the persistent layout of section lines and range boundaries that have governed this part of the Pecos River valley region for generations.