1956 Map of Tanana D-5

About this map

The Ray Mountains dominate this 1956 topographical survey, exhibiting a landscape defined by dramatic elevation changes and a radial drainage pattern. Located in the Yukon-Koyukuk region of Alaska, the area is characterized by high alpine ridges and deep valleys carved by seasonal and perennial waterways. This map, based on aerial photography from the early 1950s, documents a wilderness devoid of roads or permanent settlements during this era. Major water features including Hotonada Creek, Nethkahati Creek, and the North Fork Dagislakhna Creek originate in these high elevations, providing a clear picture of the hydrological flow toward the Tanana and Yukon basins. For researchers, the presence of landmarks like VABM Fork indicates established surveying points used by the U.S. Geological Survey to map this interior Alaskan terrain during a period of extensive aerial photogrammetric expansion.