2017 Map of Shade Creek

About this map

Shade Creek Rd and Prairie Elk Rd anchor the limited transportation network of this eastern Montana landscape, illustrating the remote nature of McCone County in the early 21st century. The drainage patterns of Shade Cr and its tributary, S Fork Shade Cr, define the topography, cutting through the high plains toward larger basins. A notable point of human intervention is found at Christianson Reservoir, a vital water resource in an otherwise arid environment. Evidence of local ranching and land use is further indicated by named terrain features like Williams Coulee and the seasonal path of Ruff Cr, which highlight the importance of specific topography for navigation and livestock in this open range.