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2020 Map of Turner Butte

Name: 2020 Topographic Map of Turner Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2020
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

The high plateau of Sherman and Gilliam counties is defined by dramatic relief where the land breaks toward the John Day River and its deep drainage systems. This 2020 survey captures the stark geography around Turner Butte and Butcher Butte, two prominent landmarks in a territory of dry canyons and wind-swept flats. The complex water system, including Rock Creek and its various forks, reveals the natural irrigation routes that have dictated land use in this part of the Columbia Plateau for generations.

Remote land divisions are marked by historic rural corridors such as Blalock Canyon Rd and Barnett Rd. Smaller water sources like Cedar Spring and the drainage of Alkali Canyon punctuate the arid landscape, while the expanse of Shutler Flat provides a contrast to the deep incisions of Scott Canyon. The map clearly delineates the border between Gilliam Co and Sherman Co, illustrating how natural features like Hay Creek intersect with administrative boundaries in the high desert.