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2016 Map of Whitewater

Name: 2016 Topographic Map of Whitewater
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2016
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2016

About this map

The Gunnison River carves a deep path through this landscape, marking the transition from the river valley to the dramatic elevations of Unaweep Canyon and Bangs Canyon. The settlement of Whitewater serves as a focal point near the northern edge of the map, where early irrigation efforts are evident through the complex network of the Shropshire Ditch, Purdy Mesa Flow Line, and Kannah Cr Extension Ditch. These waterways underscore the region's agricultural history, transforming the arid benches like Milbern Bench into productive land.

Outdoor heritage is represented by the extensive Tabeguache Trail, which winds through the western reaches across Ninemile Hill. Local history and genealogy are anchored by the Whitewater Cem and the smaller settlement of Kannah further south. The map provides a clear record of land use, showing how geographical features like Hallock Basin and man-made structures like Desert Reservoir have shaped the modern footprint of Mesa County.