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2011 Map of Willow Lake

Name: 2011 Topographic Map of Willow Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2011
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2011

About this map

Willow Lake and a dense network of interdunal basins define this portion of the Nebraska Sandhills in Cherry County. This 2011 survey illustrates the complex hydrology of the region, where numerous shallow water bodies like Big Alkali Lake and Trout Lake are scattered across a landscape of high-relief sand dunes. The distribution of these lakes, including Dewey Lake and the elongated North Marsh Lake, suggests the vital role of the Ogallala Aquifer in maintaining surface water in this semi-arid environment.

Evidence of historical land use appears in labels such as School Lake, while the presence of Muleshoe Lake and McKeel Lake reflects the ranching heritage of the area. The map shows a sparse road network, highlighting the isolation and preservation of this unique prairie ecosystem. Other notable water features include the paired West Twin Lake and East Twin Lake, along with the expansive South Marsh Lake at the southeastern edge of the quadrangle.