1970 Map of Van Winkle Lake

About this map

Van Winkle Lake and the surrounding drainage basins of Otero County define this high desert landscape, captured during a 1970 field check. The geography is shaped by a network of seasonal watercourses, including Shiloh Draw, Coffelt Draw, and Smith Draw, which cut through the arid terrain. Ranching infrastructure is central to the area's layout, with the Brownfield Ranch and Snow Ranch serving as primary landmarks for local history and genealogy research. Water management for livestock is evident through the presence of named catchments like the Jack Smith Tank and the CCC Tank, the latter suggesting New Deal-era conservation work in the region. The map also detail the elevation changes around Brownfield Hill and the winding path of Boardwell Canyon, providing a clear view of the land use patterns and essential water sources required for life in this part of New Mexico.