1955 Map of Utukok River D-3

About this map

National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska dominates this 1955 topographical survey, capturing a remote landscape defined by Arctic hydrology and early energy exploration. The terrain is characterized by the meandering Ivisaruk River and the complex drainage of the Kaolak River in the south. A significant marker of mid-century industrial activity is noted at the Kaolak (Test Well) near the eastern boundary, signifying the strategic importance of the North Slope during the Cold War era. The area is intersected by a Winter Trail, reflecting the seasonal transport patterns necessary for navigating this northern environment. The concentration of the Natvakrak Lakes in the northeast provides a glimpse into the distinctive permafrost-influenced lake systems that shape the North Slope Borough.