2021 Map of South Mountain

About this map

Modoc National Forest land defines this high-elevation landscape in northeastern California, where the topography is shaped by prominent rises like South Mtn and the long spine of Juniper Ridge. Water management is central to the area's utility, evidenced by a network of catchments and storage sites including Telephone Flat Reservoir, Deer Hill Reservoir, and the South Mountain Reservoir. These features, along with specialized points like Cow Head Tank and Cougar Pass Tank, suggest a landscape utilized for livestock grazing or forest service operations within the federal lands. Drainage for the region is provided by numerous seasonal and perennial flows, such as Mosquito Cr, Willow Cr, and Fletcher Cr, which cut through the terrain near Deer Hill. Localized water sources like South Mountain Springs further emphasize the critical nature of water access in this high-country environment.