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2010 Map of Sardine Mountain

Name: 2010 Topographic Map of Sardine Mountain
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2010
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2010

About this map

The high desert plains of Chaves County are defined here by a network of ranching operations and ephemeral water sources. The namesake Sardine Mountain rises in the northwest, overlooking a landscape where local water management is central to survival. Features like Hite Tanks, Fence Tank, and Morning Glory Tank are vital infrastructure points for the local livestock industry. The map captures a topography marked by broad depressions and seasonal drainage systems, most notably Armstrong Basin and the winding course of Long Arroyo.

Human settlement is sparse and tied to historical landholdings, with locations such as L E Ranch, Wade Ranch, Malstrom Ranch, and Culp Ranch serving as the primary landmarks. These ranch sites, along with the community at Oasis, represent the enduring agricultural character of this New Mexico region. Several shallow basins, including Silman Lake, Alkali Lake, and Red Lake, indicate the interior drainage patterns of the Llano Estacado's western fringes.