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1987 Map of Suction Butte

Name: 1987 Topographic Map of Suction Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1987
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1987

About this map

The Bearpaw Mountains dominate this high-plains landscape, characterized by isolated buttes and seasonal watercourses. The 1987 survey reveals a terrain defined by significant elevation changes, from Suction Butte and Myrtle Butte in the north to Belcher Peak and Lookout Butte further south. The land is marked by several named basins, including Mc Donald Basin and Mc Dougal Basin, suggesting a complex system of drainage and natural catchments in this arid environment.

Water sources are critical features of this topography, with numerous springs feeding into named coulees and creeks like Fogarty Coulee and Suction Creek. The inclusion of the Wilson Desert highlights the stark, semi-arid character of certain reaches in this part of Montana. This map is an essential resource for understanding the intricate network of peaks and drainage systems that defined ranching and land use in this section of the state during the late 20th century.