2011 Map of Venator Reservoir

About this map

Venator Reservoir and the surrounding high desert of Malheur County are defined by a sophisticated network of water management features essential for ranching. In this arid landscape, the distribution of water determines the footprint of human activity, as seen at the Swamp Creek Ranch along the banks of Swamp Creek. The map documents numerous critical water sources for livestock, including Newts Waterhole, Head of the Creek-Waterhole, and Lakebed Waterhole. These localized points, along with Dipping Vat Spring and Robinson Spring, reveal the historical reliance on specific perennial flows. The terrain is marked by significant natural depressions and rises like Big Flat and Hat Butte, while larger storage projects such as Jake Hughes Reservoir and Round Mountain Reservoir show the scale of water capture necessary for this region.