2011 Map of West of Empire

About this map

Willow Creek and Cottonwood Creek define the drainage of this arid Basin and Range landscape within Washoe County. Produced by the U.S. Geological Survey in 2011, this topographical study captures the hydrology and road networks of the high desert just west of the mining and industrial hub of Empire. The terrain is characterized by broad alluvial fans and ephemeral stream channels that flow toward the desert floor. This modern survey serves as a vital record of the natural topography and remote infrastructure in the northwestern Nevada desert, illustrating the sparse but critical water resources that have dictated movement and settlement patterns in the region for generations.