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1951 Map of Wardel Reservoir

Name: 1951 Topographic Map of Wardel Reservoir
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1953
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1953

About this map

Wardel Reservoir and Sandstone Reservoir dominate the northern landscape of this 1951 Wyoming survey, serving as vital water storage for the surrounding Big Horn Basin. This map records an extensive network of human-made irrigation infrastructure, including the Joe Canal, Fairview Ditch, Grout Ditch, and Extension Ditch. These features illustrate the mid-century efforts to manage water in an arid environment, part of a larger federal initiative for the development of the Missouri River Basin.

Beyond the reservoirs, the topography is defined by the drainage systems of Dorsey Creek and its South Fork, alongside Elk Creek and Corral Creek. High points like VABM Wardel 4871 provide significant vertical relief against the lower-lying agricultural ditches. This survey captures a specific moment in Big Horn County history when rural engineering and natural hydrology were being meticulously mapped to support regional growth.