2012 Map of Silver Lake

About this map

Silver Lake and the smaller Shallow Lake to the west define this arid landscape in Elko County. The ephemeral nature of these water bodies is characteristic of the Great Basin, where surface water is often seasonal and dependent on specific drainage patterns from the surrounding high ground. Rising above the basin floor, the Monument Hills provide a significant topographic reference point in this sparse territory. The map illustrates a network of 4WD and local roads that traverse the basin, suggesting a landscape primarily used for range management, mineral exploration, or backcountry access. This 2012 survey captures the drainage and terrain of the high desert before significant modern industrial or infrastructure changes, serving as a baseline for the region's natural hydrography.